THEY are just 20 and 22 years old and sat their final university exams only yesterday, but today they are starting work – in charge of Southampton’s £226m budget for children.
Despite officially still being in full-time education themselves, these are the two young councillors now in charge of the city’s schools and youngsters.
University of Southampton politics students, councillors Paul Holmes, 20, and Ben Walker, who turns 22 today, will start their full-time roles as city council Cabinet members for children’s services and safeguarding children respectively.
The pair replace former education boss, Cllr Peter Baillie, who has stepped down to spend more time with his family.
In their new roles they will each be eligible for a £22,000 allowance.
The young councillors, who were first elected to the council last May, insist they are up to the job.
“We’ve just come through the education system. It’s three and four years since we left mainstream school and those issues we faced are still fresh in our minds,” said Cllr Holmes.
“We can go in and really work with head teachers, governors, stakeholders and people in key departments and really listen to them and drive the vision towards what we need.
“I can understand people’s concerns, but just because I’m 20 doesn’t mean I can’t give the same dedication and time as someone older.”
Cllr Walker added: “I’m not going to pretend I know everything about the job at the moment or everything about Southampton.
“But it’s all about our willingness to learn, the way we’ve represented our wards so far, and our approach and commitment.
“We’ve spent some time shadowing Peter Baillie, who has done an exemplar job, to ensure a nice smooth transition into the job.”
They join existing Cabinet member for young people and skills, Cllr Terry Matthews, as the three councillors now responsible for the old education brief.
The Tories say that splitting education between three councillors – with a combined budget of £226m – underlines the importance they give to children’s services.
Labour group spokesman, Cllr Warwick Payne, said the councillors should be given a fair chance to prove their age is not a relevant criticism.
“Certainly, when I was elected to the council at 28 I was seen as one of the youngest members, but now I can see that I’m relatively long in the tooth by comparison.”
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