Sam Carling, a second-year Natural Sciences student at Christ’s College, has won a seat on the Cambridge City Council in yesterday’s local elections (05/05). He ran as a Labour candidate for a seat in the West Chesterton ward; both seats from the ward went to Labour candidates after a tense recount. Carling won 1,229 votes to gain his seat from the Liberal Democrats by a narrow margin.

Carling, who has described himself as a “serial multitasker”, is currently president of Christ’s JCR, co-chair of the Cambridge University Labour Club and debates officer-elect at the Union. He was also elected University Councillor for the next academic year in last term’s SU elections.

Carling told Varsity, "I'm incredibly honoured to have been elected to the City Council as one of West Chesterton's representatives. Over the campaign, I found a lot of encouragement from residents heartened to see someone younger becoming involved in local politics, and I plan to demonstrate that we can make just as much of a positive difference to our communities as others can.

"I can't wait to get to work on delivering my promises, and working to make Cambridge greener and more affordable for all."

The local election results saw Labour increase its majority on the Cambridge City Council with a net gain of two seats, while the Liberal Democrats lost three and the Greens gained one. One of Labour’s gains was in Newnham ward, where former Cambridge student Cameron Holloway was elected to the City Council, narrowly beating the Liberal Democrat candidate.

Reflecting on his win, Holloway told Varsity: “I’m absolutely delighted and humbled that Newnham residents have put their faith in me. I really hope I can repay it - I’m looking forward to working with residents to fight for social and climate justice.”

He went on: “I’m also particularly keen to make sure young people’s priorities are represented on the City Council, and to encourage and facilitate greater democratic engagement from all residents.”

The other current Cambridge students running were unsuccessful; no student bar Carling has been elected in recent years.