Summer sun

Karen Thornton
editor, first

With the school holidays upon us, it feels fitting that this week’s issue of first has a youthful feel to it.

We have a feature on a Local Government Leadership and London Councils initiative that has helped attract younger people into standing as councillors; an article on how youth councils are helping local authorities improve services and save money; a ‘day in the life’ from Mansfield’s youth mayor; and a striking back page picture of Hillingdon’s youth MP balancing on bookshelves!

While most in local government would like our council chambers to be more representative of the communities they serve, the spread of articles in this week’s first reminds us that there are many other ways – besides standing for election – that young (or younger!) people can participate locally and help shape the services they use.

Contrary to the bad press they often get, most young people are diligent, hard-working, and keen to contribute to society and make their mark locally.

Local government is working hard to tap their enthusiasm.

This is the last edition of first before it takes its annual summer break, but there will be regular Local Government Group news updates on firstonline at www.local.gov.uk/first

Please do keep your emails and letters coming in, and I’ll look forward to welcoming you back in the next edition of first, out on 11 September.

• Karen Thornton is editor of first