by Gerry Warren

A teenager will attempt to become the country's youngest local councillor when he stands in the local elections in Canterbury in 2011.

Alex Ellis-Roswell will be just 18 years and six weeks old when the election takes place but admits his biggest challenge might be getting people to vote for the Libertarian Party.

He has joined the movement after quitting the UK Independence Party because of its proposal to ban women wearing the burkha.

Alex, 16, who lives with his parents in Riverside Close, Bridge, plans to challenge local Tory councillor, John Anderson for his seat in the North Nailbourne ward.

Audio: Alex Ellis-Roswell argues why he should be taken seriously

A former pupil of Barton Court Grammar School in Canterbury, he has recently dropped out of Hadlow College where he was studying agriculture after deciding the course was not for him.

But he has long been interested in politics and also web site design and business.

He said: "I admit the Libertarian Party is not that well known but I predict it will be in the future. It is the party of true Liberalism which promotes personal freedom with personal responsibility.

"There is a south east branch but I am planning to set up one in Canterbury to help raise the party’s profile locally in time for the elections."