AS an 'A' Level politics student, Ross Martin began to formulate his own views which led eventually to him becoming a district councillor for Sawtry ward (May 2022). Now aged 24, he is thought to be the youngest-ever Conservative Huntingdonshire district councillor. He has just taken on the role of Young Conservative Co-ordinator for North West Cambridgeshire.
Thanks to an inspirational and fair-minded teacher at Hinchingbrooke School, students were exposed to a range of speakers from across the political spectrum. Encouraged to question, debate and develop their own views through independent thinking, Ross concluded his personal beliefs were best reflected by Conservative values.
"I recall learning about Margaret Thatcher - marmite in my wider family - and the importance of staying strong and focused, true to yourself," he said. "To me she epitomised the best of British values... freedom, hard work and opportunity.
"Nine times out of 10 we didn't agree with the speaker, but we listened to them all. I remember the visit of Andrew Lansley (Conservative MP for South Cambridgeshire at the time and Secretary of State for Health) when the Greens couldn't get out of the class quickly enough!"
Pretty early on Ross set his sights on trying to become a councillor. A spell of ill-health intervened and he took his first steps into local politics just last year (2021) when he was co-opted onto Sawtry Parish Council. Supported throughout by district and county councillor Simon Bywater, he worked tirelessly getting to know the village and some of the issues facing residents and businesses, post-pandemic, in the wider Sawtry ward.
His parish council experience continues to be a steep learning curve proving invaluable in his new district council role. "Many of the old guard are leaving and we are attracting good quality replacements who make decisions based on full and fair discussion," he explained. "We've made a lot of changes and we are working as a team for the benefit of the whole village."
As a new, young chairman he has learned how to manage difficult situations as well as managing expectation, not just those of the wider public but also his own colleagues. The experience is also helping him in his 'day job' as cover supervisor in schools, following a rigorous interview/testing process. Standing-in for an absent teacher he can find himself teaching a range of subjects from maths and IT to cookery!
"Although we are Young Conservatives (YCs) in Party terms I think of myself as a new politician just starting out, learning as much as I can to better support my residents and the wider Huntingdonshire district."
His advice to other YCs thinking of doing the same is to find a role model, a local councillor who is available to advise and mentor them as they gain their own life experience which will stand them in good stead regardless of their career path. "Don't be swayed by social media and don't follow the crowd; listen, learn and ask yourself, what are your personal values and what is important to you?"
NOTE: Young Conservative Party membership is open to anyone under the age of 26. Annual subscription is just £5. Join us today and Ross will be in touch. https://www.conservatives.com/join
Photo: YC Co-ordinator Ross (right) with other YCs on a night out in Stamford
