A flower entrepreneur has become the district's youngest Conservative council candidate.

Former Epping St John pupil Jaymey McIvor has been selected by the North Weald Conservative members to stand as the their candidate in May 2019's District Council elections.

The 20-year-old is already one of the longest serving Epping Forest Youth Councillors, a former member of Youth Parliament and a former County Council Youth Councillor on the Young Essex Assembly.

At the age of 16 he spoke at the House of Commons and he has led a campaign to improve transport in the districts.

When not working in politics Mr McIvor has grown his florist business from a market stool in Epping High Street to an established high street shop in Ongar.

He said: "I am delighted with the outcome of the selection.

"If elected by the residents of North Weald, it will be an honour to serve and represent a community that I know so well and have grown up in.

"I look forward to working with the many councillors I have worked with in the past, on the many challenges that face our community currently and in the future.

"I intend to serve above and beyond the call of duty.

" I would follow in the steps of a superb District Councillor, Anne Grigg, who has represented North Weald so well and has given outstanding dedication and commitment to North Weald."

There is a high chance Mr McIvor will be elected, with Cllr Grigg previously returning more than 60 per cent of the vote.

Gavin Chambers, deputy political chairmen for Epping Forest Conservative Association, said: “I am delighted Brentwood and Ongar membership have selected Jaymey.

"However I would like to pay thanks to Cllr Anne Grigg who have worked very hard over the years for Epping Forest Council and North Weald."