UK's 'youngest councillor' mysteriously found dead at age 21

Britain's "youngest councillor" has been mysteriously found dead at her student flat.

Clarissa Slade was said to be Britain's youngest councillor when she was elected to Mid Devon District Council at the age of 18.

The 21-year-old joined her parents Colin and Elizabeth Slade who are also both Conservative councillors.

Ms Slade was found at her student flat in Winchester, where she was studying classics.

A University of Winchester spokesperson said: "We are deeply saddened by her death and our thoughts and prayers are with her family and friends at this difficult time.”

With her father Colin Slade, also a Conservative councillor Police are currently treating her death as "unexplained" and a post-mortem is yet to take place. 

Her father, Cllr Colin Slade, told the Telegraph: We are still pretty much in the dark as to the circumstances and we are waiting for the coroner.

"She had a bright future ahead, she was very keen on politics and she was a very bright young councillor, the youngest in the country when she was elected.

"She was looking to possibly pursue a career in politics. She was very active in the Conservative Party."It is such a shock. She was due to come back to visit yesterday and the first thing we knew was when she was not on the train."

Clive Eginton, leader of Mid Devon District Council, told Devon Live: "The devastating news regarding the sudden passing of Cllr Clarissa Slade has been deeply felt by myself, fellow councillors and officers across Mid Devon District Council."As our youngest ever elected councillor, Clarissa worked hard for her residents in Cranmore ward and also participated across the town as a whole in a variety of events."

"On the national stage she had also made her mark with her involvement in youth politics."

Clarissa had an endearing personality to all those who knew her well, and we will miss her enormously."Our thoughts at this time are with Clarissa’s parents Colin and Elizabeth."

 - Evening Standard