Austin Sheridan

Austin Sheridan (born 9 January 1993) is a Scottish National Party politician and a Councillor on Glasgow City Council for Baillieston (Ward 20) located in the East End of Glasgow.

Austin Sheridan was born and raised in Glasgow and educated at Govan High Autism Unit. Sheridan has a form of Autism called Asperger's Syndrome. He has said in many InterViews to newspapers that he sees his condition as a gift and wishes to raise more awareness of Autism amongst people.

Sheridan left school at the age of 16 and attended college where he studied social sciences. He then went on to work in a call centre before being elected to Glasgow City Council at the age of 19. Sheridan is currently the youngest councillor in Scotland.

Before being elected as a councillor, Sheridan was a Member of the Scottish Youth Parliament (MSYP) for Glasgow Govan (2009–2011) and was re-elected for Glasgow Southside (2011–2012). Sheridan gave his youth parliament seat up after being elected to Glasgow City Council so that he could focus on his new role.

In the Scottish local elections, 2012, which were held using the Single Transferable Vote, Sheridan polled 1,357 first preference votes. He went on to be elected at stage 9 with 1,636 votes accumulated which saw Scotland's Youngest Councillor of 2012 elected.

Since being elected Sheridan has raised votes at 16 within Glasgow City Council by putting forward a motion to full council in his name.

References

  • 1 Glaswegian article
  • 2 Local News Glasgow
  • 3 SNP Profile
  • 4 Evening Times (votes at 16)
  • 5 STV Local
  • 6 Cllr Austin Sheridan - Council page