Justin Tomlinson Becomes CF National Chairman

Justin Tomlinson has taken a huge step towards becoming Britain's youngest ever Prime Minister.

The 25 year-old has been elected national Chairman of the Young Conservatives, now renamed Conservative Future.

He is the first chairman to be chosen from an uncontested election in the history of the Conservative party.

His new role puts him in charge of 10,000 members under the age of 30 and he can't wait to get started.

Mr Tomlinson, the councillor for Abbey Meads said: "I really hope to become an MP one day. At my age I'm already quite a way ahead of schedule, so it's looking good.

"The Sun newspaper placed a bet on me becoming PM within 40 years. 1 million is riding on it.

"I am absolutely delighted. I put my hat into the ring about two weeks ago and I had total and utter support from all over.

"I have bucketloads of enthusiasm. It is now critical to get more young people interested.

"In politics there is no such thing as one size fits all. People have different priorities and that is what we will need to focus on."

Mr Tomlinson will take up his year-long term on October 10 and he hopes it is the next step on his journey to 10 Downing Street.

He said: "This is really exciting stuff. With so many members the position is very significant as there is an emphasis on trying to reengage the youth of today."

He vehemently denied rumours of apathy towards the youth vote within the party and said that the leader, Ian Duncan Smith, is serious about re-engaging the youth.

"I will be having meetings with Ian Duncan Smith, who is working very hard to get young people interested in politics," he said.

"MP Charles Hendry has recently been appointed as an official spokesman for youth affairs and I am greatly looking forward to working with him.

"Ian Duncan Smith is only ten months into his job and he is making the right moves behind the scenes.

"I can't stress how seriously they are taking the younger people's vote."

Mr Tomlinson has been involved in politics since his university days when he was chairman of the Oxford Brookes Conservative Students from 1995 until 1999.

His talent in reaching out to the young was evident even then when he transformed the group from a meagre 18-strong membership to over 900.

He said: "It was the largest group in the country. I want to do with Conservative Future what I did at university."

His rising star is also appreciate by his party leader on Swindon Council.

Veteran councillor Mike Bawden, said: "Justin's success is a worthy reward for the hard work he has put in to promote the partipication of young people in the political process.

"It is vital for the future good health of democracy that political parties involve and engage meaningfully with young people. The Conservatives in Swindon are committed to this goal, as Justin's success indicates.

"Justin is the epitome of what young people can achieve in politics. He is the youngest memeber of Swindon Borough Council, and was first elected at the age of 22. Already he has achieved a great deal for his local community, and has worked tirelessly to involve local residents in issues that matter to them."

Article From The Evening Advertiser, Saturday 24th August