Antony Wood talks elections without electioneering

Antony Wood, Local Councillor and Prospective Parliamentary Candidate, addressed a group of 150 Lower Sixth form students at Charter's School in Ascot, on Monday, discussing the role of elections and politics in public life. Speaking as part of the student's General Studies programme Mr. Wood explained the key points of our electoral system. Being the only Prospective Candidate who is also a Borough Councillor he was also uniquely qualified to contrast the different responsibilities of the nation's parliament and its local councils which it is vital to understand as students move towards becoming voters themselves.

"I enjoy talking to young people as they can often give us a new perspective on old problems. Many people say that the youth of today is apathetic but when you sit down with young people and discuss the issues that really concern them, in a way which is relevant, you find this simply isn't true. They are impassioned, energetic and more than capable of eloquently expressing their opinions on a whole range of topics. Instead of constantly berating young people politicians should celebrate them," said Cllr Wood.

Mr. Wood also urged students to register for the forthcoming general election. "Some of my colleagues might not want to say this but I personally don't think narrow party allegiance is as important as participation in the process of Government. As an ex-Army officer I have served in countries where free and fair elections could not be taken for granted and we saw the same sort of thing again this week, when millions of Iraqis literally put their lives on the line to vote."