Article in Uxbridge Gazette
The youngest candidate in the election is a Brunel University student who is following in his family's footsteps. Matthew Barber, who graduates this year, is standing in Yiewsley ward for the Conservatives Though his family home is in Faringdon, Oxfordshire, he has become so fond of Hillingdon during his student years he plans to stay here when he finishes his course - whether elected or not. Mr Barber, who was 21 in February, said: "My family has always been very political, and I have studied politics and philosophy at Brunel. "I joined the Conservative Brunel Society when I got to University, and became chairman. "As the council elections loomed I hoped I would be able to stand as a candidate." Mr Barber enjoys football and jazz, but for now is content to use his spare time to pound the streets and deliver leaflets. He said: "I have been out every day, and it is quite promising. "People seem largely concerned with environmental issues. "I wondered if people would say I'm inexperienced, but I have found they seem to welcome the idea of new blood." Mr Barber hopes eventually to work in public services or the media, but for now is happy to be in the news rather than making it.