Just over a month ago on Thursday 4 May, Liberal Democrat Tom Penketh made history by becoming the first 18 year old to be elected onto Shaw & Crompton Parish Council in West Ward where he lives with his mum and dad, as well as younger sister, and the youngest person to be elected in Oldham.

He got the highest number of votes on the day out of all the candidates elected to the Parish Council with 812.

Tom was a pupil at Crompton House Sixth Form having just completed his A Levels.

Councillor Penketh became active in the Liberal Democrats some time ago and has become more and more active over the past 12 months; getting stuck in with everything.

“I feel absolutely over the moon to be elected as a Parish Councillor for Crompton West. I helped campaign 12 months ago for the borough seats in Crompton and Shaw, both of which we retained and this year I was campaigning to get myself elected, as well as the borough candidates and it paid off.”

“Going out, door knocking, phone canvassing and posting our Focus gives me the chance to speak to residents and listen to their concerns and what they want to see improved. I want to say a huge thank you to the people of Crompton West who have put their trust and faith in me to represent them and deliver on my promises over the next four years. Residents should know that their issues and concerns will be worked through, with my Borough colleagues, whilst I am elected,” said Tom.