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Gravesham Conservatives elect youngest ever leader in Jordan Meade

Gravesham Conservatives have elected their youngest ever leader in Cllr Jordan Meade, who is now the youngest council group leader in the country.

The 23-year-old has said he is "deeply humbled" to be taking on the new role, alongside deputy leader Cllr Ejaz Aslam.

He added that he recognises the "tremendous responsibility" of the position, and is looking forward to providing "effective scrutiny" of the borough's newly-Labour council.

Jordan Meade is Gravesham Conservatives' youngest ever leader
Jordan Meade is Gravesham Conservatives' youngest ever leader

Infighting last year saw council leader David Turner break away from the Conservative party with fellow rebels to form the Gravesham Independent Conservatives, and it seemed those divisions had taken their toll as election results were announced last Friday.

Mr Turner narrowly avoided being axed from the role in October last year, following a vote of no confidence launched by former Conservative group leader Cllr Leslie Hills and Cllr Meade.

Cllr Meade, who represents Woodlands ward, said: "Over the course of the next few weeks, I look forward to settling into my new role as leader of the opposition.

"With the support of my 17 fantastic colleagues, we will do the people of Gravesham proud in providing effective scrutiny and working hard within our community.

"I am proud to follow a line of remarkable local Conservative Leaders.

"Today, the memory of the late Cllr John Cubitt comes to mind, for he was the Leader that made the 19-year-old me a Cabinet Member and paved the way for me, at the age of 23, to become, possibly the youngest council group leader in England."

Former Gravesham council leader John Cubitt passed away in August 2017
Former Gravesham council leader John Cubitt passed away in August 2017

He said that he will be "making sure Labour fulfils its promises" on issues like protecting the borough's green spaces, reducing town centre crime and working to improve housing.

Cllr Meade is also keen to work on "community cohesion" alongside Cllr Aslam, who represents Meopham and South Vigo, and is thought to be Gravesham's first Muslim councillor.

On Cllr Hills' departure, he added: "There are quite a few new councillors, and I think, while he navigated our group through a very difficult time, it was time for a change.

"Leslie is an incredibly decent and dedicated councillor and I look forward to him joining our new shadow cabinet."

Responding to the post on social media, commenters congratulated Cllr Meade on his "amazing achievement", with one describing him as an "exceptional young man of unlimited potential".

Read more: All the latest news from Gravesend

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