POLITICAL disengagement among voters is a big problem in this country, especially among young people, so isn’t it encouraging to learn that 18-year-old Jack Robinson has decided to stand for the Guildhall ward in May’s local elections.

And Jack is certainly showing his mettle by taking on Brian Watson, York’s longest-serving councillor, and Janet Looker, who has represented the ward for more than 25 years.

Then there is the small matter of fighting his own grandmother for the seat.

If he wins Jack will be the only teenage councillor in York’s history, which might hopefully kindle a much-needed interest in politics among the city’s Facebook generation.

Even if it means defeat, we’re sure his gran would approve.