YOUNG voters are often considered a disassociated section of the electorate.

Whether it be a disinterest in politics or an apathy for the politicians, it is a regular challenge for the political parties to get first-time voters to the polls.

But despite only just being eligible to vote in their first General Election, three teen candidates are bucking the trend and have put their names in the frame to win a seat on Barnet Council.

Labour have selected Oliver Segal to stand in the Conservative strong hold of Finchley Church End ward.

The 18-year-old will be one of the youngest candidates to fight for a seat in any of the local elections taking place across the country, and will be joined by Mary McGuirk and Arjun Mittra on the ballot paper.

Despite being being a seat held by the former leader of the council, a cabinet member and an assistant cabinet member, Mr Segal believes he still has the experience to be able to serve people in the area.

The former JFS student, who has an offer to read physics at university, said: “I have always been into politics and I feel the Labour Party are the only country that can drive the country forward.

“I have lived in Church End for 18 years so what could be better experience of the area than that?

“The average age of councillors is in the 50s which is completely unrepresentative of the country. I know the problems in the area and hopefully I can be part of the Labour Party driving forward.”

But he admits he gets a mixed reaction when people find out his age.

He said: “Some people seem very nonchalant. My friends are not that impressed that I am standing, but my mum's friends are.”

At 19, twins Dilan and Dilem Kurt have chosen to stand for the Green Party in the Mill Hill ward.

Described by party leaders in the borough as “among the keenest of our younger candidates”, the pair will be campaigning for a seat held by two Liberal Democrats and a Conservative.

Dilan said the family had moved from Turkey six years ago and the situation with the Kerds in her homeland intially sparked their interest in politics.

The psychology student said: “I know I have not got any great experience, because I am only 19, but I have gained a lot from this campaign.

“I have got to see a lot of people out and about and we can see what we can do for them. I like to hear about the different ideas and how we can help people.

“Obviously young people have new ideas which they can bring into the council.”

On contesting the seat alongside her twin sister Dilem, she added: “We see each other as one so whoever wins, we both win.”