Recently appointed Parish Council recruit, Marcus Thomassen, is off to explore pastures new. Before he goes, Amanda Borrill hears how his months as a Councillor have shaped his view of local politics, democracy and its benefits to village life.
Resident here in Histon & Impington since he was just two years old, Marcus Thomassen has spent the last several months getting to grips with life at the sharp end of local politics having been co-opted to Histon & Impington Parish Council in September last year.
A recent graduate in International Relations and Politics from Cardiff University, Marcus’ motivation in joining our Parish Council lay primarily in giving back to the community which has offered him so much growing up. His childhood memories here in Histon & Impington recall happy times with Boys Brigade and cubs and getting involved with grassroots football through the inspirational teams and coaches at Histon Hornets.
Embracing the nitty gritty
Explaining what inspired him to offer up his services as a young Councillor here in the village, Marcus tells me: “I joined the Parish Council to gain first-hand experience in local government but also to give back a little to the village that provided me with so many opportunities during my upbringing. I hoped that my degree in International Relations and Politics would make me a strong addition to the council and allow me to use my education in matters relating to our village”.
Already very aware of the important role local government plays in the day to day running of villages and towns, there were still a few surprises to be had it seems with Marcus revealing… “getting to experience the nitty gritty of all these processes first hand was eye opening!”
With much being made in the media of how today’s younger generation is harvesting their political news and views from a much wider range of sources than was the case even just a decade ago, I was keen to hear how being a Councillor in his 20s had affected his views on the matters that affect local politics. “My views on local politics have definitely changed”, Marcus tells me. “I didn’t realise how complex certain issues can be and that what on the surface might seem like a trivial or simple policy issue can, in fact, be far more challenging due to the mix of different stakeholders involved in every council decision and the strong opinions that exist on all sides”.
The passion to make a difference
Whilst sitting through a Parish Council meeting might not feature at the top of every 20 something’s bucket list, Marcus leaves with strongly positive reflections of his evenings spent at the recreation ground offices and would encourage other young residents to seriously consider giving it a go.
“I have really enjoyed getting to see the time and effort people put into the village, often on their own time and free of charge”, he says. “It has opened my eyes to how passionate the residents of Histon and Impington can be in trying to help improve their parish, and it is very inspiring. I was made to feel incredibly welcome at all council meetings and my opinions were always valued.
“It is a great way to build your personal skills and experience whilst also giving back to your village”. Keen to recruit other new councillors, he adds, “as I step down, the PC doesn’t have any other younger residents sitting on, but there is no reason why it can’t have more in the future. Enthusiastic councillors who can work on representing the issues and policy ideas that they feel represent the views of their cohort would be an amazing asset.”
To find out more about Histon & Impington Parish Council, see their website.
Anyone interested in standing in this May’s Parish Council elections must submit an official nomination form. Nominations will open on 30 March 2026 and close at 4.00pm on 9 April 2026. For more information contact the Parish Council directly on clerk@hisimp-pc.gov.uk.
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