Aleena Aditya is among the UK’s youngest councillors after she recently won a seat on the Bradley Stoke Town Council in South Gloucestershire – the first election that the British Indian teenager became eligible to vote in.
Aditya, 18, was elected to one of three seats representing Primrose Bridge Ward in the local elections earlier this month. She contested against two former mayors from the panel of contestants for the three members of Primrose Bridge Ward and became the only Conservative to win there. The contestants included three Conservative candidates, one Green Party, one Labour and one Independent.
"A lot of marginalised groups or people often need that encouragement and support, I think, to be able to take that next step," she said, thanking people for supporting her during the election.
Born and bred in Bristol and Bradley Stoke, Aditya was driven by her passion to listen to the diverse views of the residents and find ways to innovate and ensure quality services for the community. Since childhood, she was engaged in litter-picking campaign groups, NHS Blood and Organ donation campaign through the Bristol Multi-Faith Forum.
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"I appreciate the experience and wisdom of our elderly, yet young people could bring so many fresh ideas and creativity that maybe elders won't have thought about. At the moment, I'm attending meetings and learning the basics from people. There's a lot to learn and digest, so I'm grateful for the expertise of the other councillors," said the sixth form student.
The teenager, who hopes to study architecture in September, said she was surprised but happy to be elected and pledged to be a strong voice for the town's young people on the council. Her father, Tom Aditya, originally from Kerala in southern India, served as the Mayor of Bradley Stoke council for two terms.
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"For me personally, I was part of the local youth arts group, and I want to focus on youth services – it would be great for more young people to have stuff to do. It is interesting to learn that Politics affects all our lives and futures," his daughter shared.
"While walking to and from school, I used to think about what I could do to make Bradley Stoke a better place to live. As a small child, I greeted everyone with a smile or a handwave to bring more kindness to the community, and I felt there had been some change in people's perspectives. Why sit and complain about stuff that's happening or not happening when I can be part of the change," Aleena reflected.
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The newly elected councillor wants to push for improved youth services and better support for local businesses and community groups. She supports a Youth Council for Bradley Stoke and better school funding campaigns and appreciates the new budget provisions to enhance school services. Hoping to bring a fresh perspective to the town council chamber, she wants to ensure that “young people are represented”.