At just 24, Tom Astell was elected as the youngest mayor in Beverley’s history. But with the country plunged into crisis by coronavirus, he tells Geraldine Scott how becoming the town’s 417th mayor will be far different than he expected.

When Tom Astell was named as Beverley’s youngest ever mayor earlier this month, it may have come as a surprise to some.

The position could be associated with someone of greater years.

But do not let his age fool you, as 24-year-old Mr Astell has more politics experience than many entering Parliament for the first time – and he has even spoken at the House of Commons’ despatch box.

Tom Astell, who is the mayor of Beverley. Pictured at his front door in Beverley.Photo: Jonathan Gawthorpe

Mr Astell, who is thought to be the youngest mayor in the town’s history, became a member of the East Riding Youth Assembly at 10 and was elected to the UK Youth Parliament at 14.

And learning from his father, a fellow Beverley councillor, democracy is in his blood.

“Although I’m one of the younger town councillors, I’m also one of the more experienced because after elections in 2019 10 out of 14 members were new,” Mr Astell, who lives in Beverley with his partner and consort Alex Moor.

“I’ve also got a lot of support in the community and my youth on my side.

Tom Astell, who is the mayor of Beverley. Photo: Jonathan Gawthorpe

“My dad was in politics and I’ve been involved all my life, I wanted to give back to my community.”

Both father, Peter, who has served two terms as the town’s mayor himself, and son hit the headlines last year when they quit Labour to join the Liberal Democrats.

At the time Peter Astell said the party no longer reflected the values he had held dear for decades.

His son said: “The local Liberal Democrats campaign for a better Beverley by working hard all year round, not just at election times.”

But Mr Astell, who is also a full-time store manager for bakery chain Cooplands in Hull, was now keen to hit out on his own and make his own mark.

“I want to be a proactive mayor, helping the community recover from the coronavirus crisis,” he said.

One of the events cancelled in the town due to coronavirus is the Pride festival, which was due to be staged in Beverley for the first time this year, with Mr Astell leading its organisation.

In September last year while serving as deputy mayor, Mr Astell was a victim of homophobic abuse, which he reported to the police.

Meet Beverley's youngest ever mayor, who at just 24 has more political experience than many