WYRE Forest has elected the country’s youngest councillor in 18-year-old Conservative Nick Harris.

Mr Harris became the youngest ever Wyre Forest District Council member after securing the Bewdley & Rock ward in this week’s local elections.

He only turned 18 on April 2 – just days before the deadline for nominations for the ballot, held yesterday and counted today (May 4).

There was also good news for Labour and the Liberal Democrats who each won a seat from the ruling Conservative administration.

Gareth Webster won Broadwaters for Labour in a dramatic fashion, winning with a majority of just 10 which was confirmed after a recount. He defeated Tory John Desmond.

Liberal Democrat Alan Totty beat Tory rival Kevin Gale by more than 230 votes in the Offmore & Comberton seat which saw former council chairman and Kidderminster Mayor Rose Bishop stand down from.

Despite the two losses, council leader Marcus Hart they had enjoyed an “excellent” election campaign in which they defended six seats and won back Wribbenhall and Arley ward, which had been held by independent Gordon Yarranton.

The make-up of the council is now 21 Conservatives, four Labour, three Liberal Democrat, three Independent and two Independent Community & Health Concern members.

Mr Harris, who works for a solar installation company after completing an apprenticeship, said: “I’m very pleased that people have given me the opportunity to represent them.

“I’m elected to represent everyone and I’m delighted because I’ve always wanted to do something for my community.”

The teenager joined the Conservatives two years ago and has been a representative on the Worcestershire Youth Cabinet.

He added: “One of my key priorities is to ensure all residents are safe and I’ve already spoken to West Mercia Police about working together to achieve this.

“Having successfully completed an apprenticeship, I also want to promote the many opportunities there are for people out there.”

Gareth Webster said he was delighted to represent the area he lives in.

He said: “There are excellent volunteers in Broadwaters who do a lot for the community but there is a feeling amongst residents that the council should be doing this.

“Now that I am an elected councillor, I will work to change that. I also want to engage with all those people who do not want to vote and feel disengaged.”

Elsewhere, former Wyre Forest Labour group leader Jamie Shaw clung on to his Areley Kings and Riverside seat by just 20 votes ahead of nearest rival Lin Henderson.

Ex-council chairman Anne Hingley chose not to defend her seat in Franche & Habberley North but Mike Cheeseman made sure it remained a Conservative seat.

Paul Harrison also became a new Tory councillor winning the vacant Wribbenhall & Arley Ward seat.

Senior Conservatives Tracey Onslow, Sally Chambers, Chris Rogers and Ian Hardiman also easily defended their seats while stalwart Independent Peter Dyke won by a huge majority in Aggborough & Spennells.