SOME feared the MPs’ expenses scandal would deter young people from going into politics — but for 21-year-old Julia Bricknell it’s had the opposite effect.

No amount of duck houses or moat cleaning could stop her from throwing her hat into the ring to become the youngest member of the Vale of White Horse District Council.

The Liberal Democrat has been voted on to the council as the ward member for Abingdon Dunmore after winning a by-election.

And she has revealed she is determined to help change the negative image of politics.

She said: “The expenses scandal didn’t put me off in the slightest and if anything it wanted me to get involved even more.

“I think the fact that I’ve joined the council shows that younger people are interested and I hope to encourage that.

“Some people have the idea that we don’t care and it’s not true. I also think that because of my age I will be able to perhaps engage with younger people better than some others.”

Ms Bricknell was elected during a recent by-election after Tim Smith, the previous member, stepped down to emigrate to America.

Her closest rival was Conservative Monica Lovatt, who she beat by 796 votes to 602.

She said: “Throughout the campaign everyone worked really hard and I was pretty calm but when the night of the count came it was really stressful.

“Just because the previous member had been a Lib Dem didn’t mean it was a foregone conclusion.

“We knew it would be marginal — we actually thought it would go to the Conservatives.

“Afterwards my family and friends were really pleased and said ‘well done, you’ve only just finished university’.

“I studied politics and history so have an interest and also work part-time for the Women Liberal Democrats.”

While Ms Bricknell is the youngest member of the council, she is not its youngest ever councillor.

That award goes to James McGee, who was elected to represent Grove as a 20-year-old in 2007. He is now 22.

Council leader Tony De Vere welcomed Ms Bricknell to the council. He said: “We’re delighted that Julia is joining us and she is very enthusiastic about her role. It’s difficult attracting younger people to the job and I’m sure she will be a great asset to the council.”