WIRRAL'S youngest councillor Mark Hughes, of West Kirby, will not be seeking re-election in Thurstaston ward "due to work and family commitments." He is pictured right, outside Wallasey Town Hall.

The sometimes outspoken right wing Conservative Euro-Sceptic, announces his decision by saying: "I have enjoyed four years as a local councillor and would love to come back one day. I have recently started a new job and I have a new baby daughter, Bronwen. It would be wrong to stand again next May and not to give my constituents the commitment they deserve."

However, he denies speculation that he might be seeking support as a potential successor to the ousted Tory MP David Hunt. "A number of people have encouraged me to throw my hat into the ring but I have ruled that out, although obviously flattered."

Coun Hughes, aged 27, works as a stockbroker for Charterhouse Tilney Securities, Royal Liver Buildings, Pier Head. He married Janet, the girl who lived next door to his house, last year. They now have a baby, Bronwen, aged nine weeks.

"The stock market doesn't close until 4.30 pm. With party meetings before council and committee meetings, I find it difficult to make Wallasey Town Hall in time. I feel the Council may be missing out by not having young business people as members." Wirral Council is made up of 66 members, 41 Labour, 16 Conservatives and nine Lib Dems.

Fellow Conservative councillor for Thurstaston is 'young at heart' grandfather Sid Dunn, who married a couple of years ago. "I am retired from business but fully understand the pressures on a young family man with a career. Mark is a good councillor but he has to put his family and job first."

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