Peterborough councillor, 18, keen to break down age barrier in politics

Daisy Blakemore-Creedon's been in post for a week

Daisy Blakemore-Creedon
Author: Dan MasonPublished 10th May 2024

An 18-year-old Peterborough student and one of the country's youngest councillors has said the feeling is starting to sink in.

Labour's Daisy Blakemore-Creedon beat sitting Conservative Andy Coles to the Fletton and Woodston seat on Peterborough City Council at the local elections last Friday.

The teenager - who's taking her A Level exams this week - won the seat after winning by a margin of 282 votes.

Now a week on from her success, Daisy, who wants to start giving her support to the local community, is starting to realise her achievement.

"I was overwhelmed but now I'm feeling overjoyed"

"At first I was feeling very overwhelmed but now, I'm feeling overjoyed about the situation; I get to represent my constituents in Fletton and Woodston but also young people across Peterborough," she said.

"I started off by going out on protests, strikes and then I thought 'let's look into all the political parties and decide which one interests me the most and be a part of a party where I can make a difference'.

"A lot of people ended up putting their faith into my hands because it isn't about age, it was about maturity and what I can bring to the table."

Educating young people

Daisy is currently studying A-Level politics, English literature and English language and used to play football for the likes of Peterborough United Women.

The keen footballer told Greatest Hits Radio she only knew she was going to stand for the Fletton and Woodston seat four weeks ago when another Labour candidate dropped out.

Daisy - chair of the Eastern Young Labour group and a former youth councillor - is keen to get more young people interested in politics.

"I was having a conversation with someone and she said she was scared to vote - she's 17 - and that's because we don't know how to vote, so if we get taught how to vote, perhaps more young people will participate in the political system," she added.

"I would like to hope I can be a good role model to other young people and that young people should follow their dreams, aim high and anything can happen."

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