A NEWLY elected county councillor has said she hopes to engage more young people in politics.

Labour candidate Emily Owen, aged 21, won the Mostyn ward by-election on Thursday, July 7 for a seat on Conwy County Council, beating a field of five others and becoming the youngest member of the council.

Cllr Owen, originally from Bury near Manchester, said: “I supported the Labour party when I lived in Bury and when they asked me if I’d stand I thought it was a good opportunity – I was very pleased as it was quite close.

“When I came over here I found there is a lack of engagement with young people in politics and I thought it would be good for young people to have a voice to represent them in the council.

“As a young person I can engage with them and look at issues that affect them as well as the wider constituents.”

Cllr Owen, who is part way through studying social policy and criminal justice at Bangor University, is also

involved in a number of charity activities such as Operation Christmas Child and recently took part

in the the three peaks challenge for Merlin Animal Rescue in St Asaph.

She is also involved with The Refugee Crisis Foundation and regularly make trips to Calais with volunteers to help with aid – including taking food over, helping organise the warehouse, distribute necessary items, a dental unit and a medical team and try to lift spirits.

Councillor Owen received 248 votes, with second place candidate Gregory James Thomas Robbins of the

Welsh Conservative Party receiving 200 votes.

Also standing for the Mostyn ward county councillor position were Penelope Jane Appleton of the Welsh Liberal Democrats (126 votes), independent candidate John Arthur Thomas (88 votes), UK Independence Party candidate John Malcolm Humberstone (75 votes) and independent candidate Richard Gerald Enston (27 votes).

Librarian Pat Hebron for the Labour Party was elected to Llandudno Town Council for the same ward.