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Journalism student stands in local elections

A journalism student from Staffordshire University is standing for Labour at the local elections next month.

However 20-year-old Andrew Bettridge, from Burton-on-Trent, does not expect to be swapping the journalistic life for a political career just yet in what is described as a “safe” Conservative area.

Andrew Bettridge is standing for East Staffordshire Borough Council’s Tutbury and Outwoods ward.

“I will give the election my best even if my chances are slim,” said Andrew, who studies journalism at the College Road campus in Stoke-on-Trent.

“I am candidate for the Labour Party but I am also a candidate for the people of Tutbury and Outwoods and they are the most important people in this election.

“I’m very proud to be nominated, I’ve only been a member for a year and I’m humbled that the party has asked me.

“The fact that it’s a ‘safe’ Tory area where I’m standing makes me even more determined to win.

“I know I’m young, but I hope the voters see me as someone who wants to fight for their community and make a difference in people’s lives. I want this to make me stand out.”

Ruth Smeeth, last year’s candidate for Burton, said: “I am delighted Andrew has decided to become our candidate in the local election.

“He is an excellent candidate who will take the fight against the Tory led cuts directly into his community and I look forward to seeing him as an elected member in May.”

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  • March 31, 2011 at 11:41 am
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    Oh good. Nothing like a journalist projecting an unbiased political profile is there?

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