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BBC News: Election 2010 BBC News

Page last updated at 15:39 GMT, Saturday, 8 May 2010 16:39 UK

Lancashire teenager voted 'to make a difference'

Alfie McKenzie
Alfie McKenzie said he was "very serious" about politics

A 14-year-old boy from Lancashire who voted in the general election said he did it because he "wanted to make a difference".

Alfie McKenzie, from Poulton-le-Fylde, voted for the Liberal Democrats in the Wyre and Preston North constituency, after being sent a polling card.

He was only caught when he confided in a teacher at school. His head teacher called the local council and police.

Ben Wallace won the seat for the Conservatives with a 15,844 majority.

Wyre Borough Council and Lancashire police have both said they are investigating.

Alfie went to his local polling station before school on Thursday, wearing a trench coat, glasses, jeans and smart shoes so officials would "think I was a Tory".

"I knew they wouldn't suspect an under-18 for voting Tory," he said.

Alfie said he was "very serious" about politics and socialism, but decided to vote Liberal Democrat as a tactical option.

He said: "There's not a socialist candidate in our area and unfortunately even if there was it would be a wasted vote. I've looked into it and the best option for a socialist is the Liberal Democrats.

"I did want to make a difference - unfortunately I didn't."

Alfie's mum, Nadine Wiseman, said she had asked him not to vote, after he received the polling card, but she "wasn't surprised" when he did.



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