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Stephen becomes first councillor in the UK with Down's syndrome

"I want to help other people in the community I've grown up and lived in all my life"

Councillor Stephen Green with his father Grenville Green

A man with Down's syndrome is believed to be the first person in the UK with the condition to become a parish councillor.

Cllr Stephen Green, 47, previously made the headlines for learning to read music and performing his first piano recital.

Last week he was elected as member of Nuthall Parish Council in Nottinghamshire after his predecessor, Councillor Paul Simpson, stepped down.



It was the second time Stephen, from Nutthall, had stood for election to the council after narrowly getting beaten in an election eight years ago.

But when no one else stood for the seat, Stephen was elected to the council.

He said: "I want to help other people in the community I've grown up and lived in all my life.

"I stood before at the election so I'm very pleased to be councillor now.

"There will be some challenges but I've got a good support network around me."

Stephen’s father, Grenville Green, added: "It's a big achievement for Stephen.

"I'm ecstatic. He lost his mum when he was 28. It's not been an easy ride.

"I get so much enjoyment out of his achievements. He was willing to fight this election."

He added: "I was a bit disappointed nobody put up, to be honest, because it would have proved a point.

"He's got a lot to offer Nuthall. He can teach people manners and how to behave in public."

Liz Silver, of the Nottinghamshire Disabled People's Movement, said: "It's great news, I hope he enjoys it.

"I think generally disabled people do have concerns about discrimination and stereotyping; it affects some people more than others."

                          [Related article: Boy with Down’s Syndrome chosen as new M&S model]