Gabriel Raimondo, 18, wins deputy seat in election

Gabriel Raimondo, 18, wins deputy seat in election15 minutes agoShareSaveAdd as preferred on GoogleBBCGabriel Raimondo becomes the youngest first-time states member since Jeremy Maçon in 2008Gabriel Raimondo has become Jersey's youngest ever politician after being elected as a Deputy for St Brelade. Raimondo, who turned 18 shortly before the election, said he was "absolutely ecstatic" at the result. Aligned with the Value Jersey movement, his campaign focussed heavily on the cost of living on the island. He finished third in St Brelade, behind Jonathan Renouf and Montfort Tadier. A-levels postponedDuring the campaign, Raimondo warned that the island was "driving people away" and that he had seen friends "leaving for university, unsure that they will come back". He described the cost of living situation as the biggest issue facing islanders, and adopted policies put forward by political movement Value Jersey. Posting on social media after the results came in, he said: "I am feeling absolutely ecstatic. The most amazing night with nothing but good news". He thanked islanders in St Brelade for "putting their trust in him". He added: "I won't stop the hard work and will show you that it wasn't just an 18-year-old you voted for, but a better future for this island. "The real work starts now." 'A young voice'Now elected, Raimondo becomes Jersey's youngest ever first-time States member. Previously, the record was held by Jeremy Maçon when he was first elected at the age of 21 in 2008. Before his foray into politics, Raimondo was studying for his A-levels, which he reportedly put on hold to make time for his campaign. He used social media to appeal to voters and also spoke of suffering online abuse during the run-up to polling day. In his pitch to voters, he said there was a need for a "young voice in the assembly" and that he would "work with members to get things done... and make the island a better place". Follow BBC Jersey on X and Facebook. Send your story ideas to channel.islands@bbc.co.uk. More on this story:Jersey Election 2026: ResultsJersey general election 2026: Majority of results declared overnightStates of JerseyYoung peopleCost of Living Youth politics