A LAW student hopes to build a convincing case to become the youngest member of Inverclyde Council.

James McColgan, who is 20 years old, is standing in the Inverclyde East ward in May's elections.

The Portonian is currently studying law and politics at Glasgow University and hopes his age will encourage more young people to become interested in the forthcoming election.

He said: "I feel privileged to be given the opportunity to be the voice of young people in this election, and I'm very much looking forward to going out campaigning.

"I hope by standing I can make politics more accessible to young people across Inverclyde and encourage them to have their say by voting to elect someone to represent their views in the decision-making process." Mr McColgan was born in Clune Park Street and left school three years ago to begin a two-year apprenticeship in IT with Inverclyde Council.

He said: "During my time as an apprentice, I was successful in being elected as a Member of the Scottish Youth Parliament representing young people aged 14 to 25 in Port Glasgow and Kilmacolm.

"I was privileged to go out into our community and work with the young people and take their views to national sittings of the Youth Parliament across Scotland.

"During my time as an MSYP, I also jointly chaired the Inverclyde Youth Council, where I worked directly with school pupils from high schools across Inverclyde." After leaving the council in February last year, the election hopeful began working for Dell Computers in Glasgow, providing technical support to business customers.

He said: "Although I've always had an interest in IT, I decided that it was more of a hobby to me and not a career.

"I've always had a passion for politics and a desire for representing people, so I left the company in September and I've started studying law and politics at Glasgow University.

"I'm very passionate about my area and recently I was elected as a community councillor on the Port Glasgow West Community Council.

"I've found it to be a great forum to discuss the issues affecting our community." Mr Colgan is standing as a Labour candidate in the elections on Thursday 3 May.