A born leader

Local Lib Dem Antony wins coveted award

    LIBERAL Democrat spokesman Antony Hook has been named Young Leader of the Year 2001 by the Royal Society of Arts.

IN THE LEAD: Antony Hook d443/36

    Mr Hook, 21, will receive the coveted award at a special ceremony next month in London and reflects his work as a lobbyist for the British Youth council.
    The prize also takes into consideration that he was the UK's youngest. candidate when he stood for the Dover and Deal constituency in last year's general election, achieving a significant increase in his party's share of the vote.
    Trainee barrister Mr Hook, from Deal, was nominated for the RSA gong by the long-standing Lib Dem activist Cynthia Terry.
    He said: "I felt very flattered indeed as it is a major award. I was very, very surprised when I got the letter saying I was getting it."

    The award makes him a fellow of the society, allowing him to rub shoulders with influential people on behalf of the youth council.
    He added: "The British Youth Council helps young people in keys areas and also encourages them to become active in society generally. Hopefully this award will make me be a better campaigner."
    Mr Hook will continue to be the spokesman locally for his party despite holding no seat but has not ruled out standing for the forthcoming 2003 council elections. He added: "My job might take me a long way away from this area so I have to think about that when I commit myself to local politics. I haven't made any decisions on that front. I have always thought of politics as what I want to do rather than what I want to be."