Chris Maughan, who has recently been elected to serve on Blackpool Council, joins the Authority as a Councillor member and hopes to provide a more youthful insight on policing issues. 
 
A chemistry student, Cllr Maughan is currently completing the final stages of a degree at the University of York. 
 
He plans to dedicate much of his free time to helping the Police Authority achieve its aims and deliver a top quality service for the communities of Lancashire. The student also hopes to help the Authority understand the views of younger people. 

Cllr Maughan, who grew up in Blackpool, said: “As a younger councillor, I hope to address the age balance of the Authority and help diversify its membership. 
 
“Policing is something that has always interested me. I understand that there are difficult issues on the horizon, particularly with funding, but being new I have no preconceptions and am coming to it with a clean slate. I have nothing to compare it with so I’m very open to the challenges ahead and am quite adaptable. 
 
“It helps to have a youthful input as many young people do not have a voice at this level and are an under-represented group generally in society so I’m particularly keen to offer this diversity on the board.”

Chair of the Authority, Cllr Malcolm Doherty, OBE, welcomed Cllr Maughan to the Authority, saying: “It’s good to see younger people taking an interest in policing and their local community. I’m sure Chris will be a big asset to the Authority and bring a more youthful viewpoint to our debates, which is beneficial for us all.

“His election to Blackpool Council has brought a load of new responsibilities to his young shoulders but having met him, I’m sure he will handle them well.”