ONE of Scotland's youngest councillors has called for a change which would allow 16-year-olds to to vote.

Teenager Austin Sheridan, aged just 19, was elected to Glasgow City Council in May as SNP councillor for Baillieston.

He had previously spent three years as a member of the Scottish Youth Parliament and said he felt entering local politics was an obvious step forward.

Mr Sheridan has Asperger Syndrome, an autism spectrum disorder, and attended the city's Govan High Autism Unit. But he sees his condition as a positive, which will drive him to get things done.

The teenager, who lives in Govanhill in the South Side, said: "The reason I got involved with the Scottish Youth Parliament was because I wanted to help change things for young people and raise issues for young people, which I don't think is done enough.

"I wanted to give young people a platform and I felt the next stage was to run for election.

"I also decided to run for election because I felt there is a lack of young people in politics and feel it would be good to see more go forward."

Mr Sheridan is open about his condition but says he does not let it affect his life.

He said: "It is something I manage and I don't see it as a barrier. Having a disability does not have to be a bad thing.

"In fact, it can be a benefit because people with autism tend to show more commitment and I plan to channel that into my politics."

Not only does Mr Sheridan want 16-year-olds to be allowed to vote, he wants to see many more young people involved in politics.

He said: "Votes at 16 is an issue of vital importance to young people who often feel they have no say in society.

"Young people can be married, pay tax and fight for their country but cannot vote to influence decisions that affect their lives.

"When it comes to politics, it is seen as fantastic that a young person is involved but I would like that to be normal."

Glasgow SNP MSP Humza Yousaf has praised Mr Sheridan for raising the issue of lowering the voting age to 16.

He said: "It is perverse that we live in a society where we expect our 16-year-olds to pay tax for national services but have no say in how those are run."

vivienne.nicoll @eveningtimes.co.uk