Diss teenager believed to be the UK's youngest town councillor

A teenager is believed to be the UK’s youngest town councillor, after joining the ranks at Diss Town Council.

Diss resident Kieran Murphy was co-opted on to the town council by a unanimous decision at a meeting last Wednesday, only a month after celebrating his 18th birthday – the minimum somebody is allowed to become a town councillor.

The former Diss High School student promised to represent the voice of young people in the town, having served as the leader and chairman of Diss Youth Council for three years.

He said: “I have always had an interest in Diss as a town, and I wish to represent the young people of Diss on the council, ensuring they have a voice.

“Without many expectations, I applied and attended the full council meeting. After a short interview, I was unanimously voted on to the council.”

After being elected as chairman of Diss Youth Council in 2017, Mr Murphy helped deliver a range of successful fundraising events.

The following year, the teenager was awarded the Honoured Junior Good Citizen of Diss for his work on the youth council and his work within Diss High School and the surrounding community.

Council leader Simon Olander said: “On behalf of the council, I would like to thank Kieran for applying to become a town councillor.

“His experience as chairman of Diss Youth Council puts him in a strong position to become a very capable councillor and a great spokesman for the young people of our town.”