Young Councillor hits the airwaves

Uttoxeter Town Councillor Katie-Jo Thomas got a shock recently when she picked up the phone and found from reporter Jodie King she was going to be featured by Radio Stoke on their, "Stoke’s Got Talent" program. The program features young people who have demonstrated real ambition and drive to make the most of their talents and gain success in their chosen career.

The broadcast featured , Kathy Plaskitt a film maker, Richard Bishop a web site Tycoon and Lucy Alcock a teenage trampolinist with ambitions to compete at the 2012 Olympics and of course Uttoxeter’s very own Katie-Jo Thomas who was one of the youngest councillors in Britain at the May 2007 elections.

Katie-Jo said, "I was very surprised to be included but it gave me the chance to explain my reasons for wanting to get involved with my own community, I am really enjoying the role of councillor and will continue working hard to encourage other young people to take the plunge and get involved."

"Apart from my local council duties I am Chairman of the Conservative Future group in East Staffordshire which provides a way for young people between the ages of 18 and 30 to get involved with politics and have a good time socially as well. It has been a whirlwind experience since last May, I have met David Cameron and Boris Johnson and been given so much help from my fellow councillors."She continued.

As well as her council role she has a full time job at Burton and Uttoxeter Conservative office but still manages to successfully balance the demands of both.

Conservative Parliamentary candidate for Burton and Uttoxeter Andrew Griffiths said, "We are very proud of Katie-Jo. She hit the airwaves and explained in her own words why she came into local politics and how she wants to improve our town. It is great to see young people playing such an active role in our community. She is a great role model and Ambassador."