SAWTRY parish council chairman Ross Martin, who also represents Sawtry ward on the district council, has been recognised as Young Councillor of the Year by Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Association of Local Councils (CAPALC). At the age of 24, he was described as having 'an old, wise head on young shoulders' with a bright future in local government.
Having been co-opted onto the parish council last year, he was very soon elected chairman where his energy and fresh ideas soon began to make a difference. The award citation continues: "Ross is always willing to help, he listens well and brings new ideas to the council. In May 2022, he was elected unopposed to Sawtry ward in the Huntingdonshire District Council elections, since when he has shown his commitment and connection to the community."
Modest and unassuming, Ross paid tribute to his ward colleague, and mentor Simon Bywater and to everyone who continues to support him in his political development. "I am still learning and I couldn't have achieved it without the support of so many people, not least my family and friends," he said. "I am over the moon with this award and thank all those who nominated me... I will do my best not to let you down."
Association chairman Graham Bull paid his own tribute: "Ross is an impressive young man, mature beyond his years, and this recognition is very well deserved. We actively encourage and promote our younger members and hope by example, Ross will be a role model to others. We now have three Young Conservative (YC) councillors in this Association with one prospective YC candidate in the pipeline for next year's city council elections."
Ross is also Young Conservative Co-ordinator for North West Cambridgeshire. If you are aged between 16 and 26, and would like to become more involved, please email Ross at [email protected]
