WELLINGTON teenager Samuel Booker has become the youngest Labour Party branch chairman in the country.

Mr Booker, 18 last September, was elected chairman of the Taunton Deane Labour Party at its annual meeting earlier this month, having held the post of vice-chairman for the past year.

“I have been interested in politics since the 2015 General Election,” said Mr Booker, who went to Wellesley Park Primary School in Wellington and Kingsmead School at Wiveliscombe.

“The local party is very keen on Green issues and also with people struggling financially because of lockdown. We are trying to support them and improve their lives as best we can.

“Obviously we’re limited as what we can do because of government restrictions. We can’t canvas or meet people on the doorstep. All our meetings are virtual.”

Mr Booker is currently on an Open University course studying politics, philosophy and economics and is living with his partner Annie in Taunton but is planning to return to live in Wellington.

He has a sports background, having played football in goal at youth level for Wellington and for Taunton Town Under 18s. He has also played handball as a youngster for the South-West.