Asperger's will not stop Sam Linley in his bid to become Stocktons youngest councillor.

The 20-year-old astrophysics student was diagnosed 10 years ago after tell-tale signs of the disability were spotted by his primary school teacher.

But now Sam is looking to fight the conditions stereotypes and represent his home town as the Conservative candidate in Thursdays Billingham North by-election.

Its something that youre born with. You cant change it. I have it for life, said Sam.

Sometimes social interaction is a problem. But I think I have come on a long way.

I have come from a shy kid to being able to just go up to a door not knowing whos behind it and strike up a conversation.

Sam, who aced his GCSE maths with an A* aged just 14 before going on to study at the University of York, said his disability will provide a new perspective to the council.

We need a broad church on the council. We need people from all parts of society.

When debates come up on provisions for disabled people its good to have people who know about them first hand rather than people who dont really understand the issues.

And in the traditional Labour stronghold of Billingham, he thinks hes got a good chance of winning with a back to basics campaign.

The keen violin player said: Originally when I came into it, I was thinking theres no chance.

If you had told me that we would be in with a serious chance I would have laughed. I would have laughed in your face.

But the response I am getting on the doorstep is positive. Im getting my name out there. People know who I am.

Sam said he wants to be a friendly face focused on hot-topics such as litter and dog fouling.

He also wants a fairer deal for Billingham: I have lived in Billingham all my life. Its a lovely place to live.

Its given me a lot over the 20 years I have lived here and I want to give back to it.

I am just fighting for more money for Billingham. A lot of residents see Stockton getting money but Billingham just left the scraps.

Labours Paul Weston is looking to defend the Billingham North seat following the resignation of Stephen Parry in June.

Independent Jennifer Apedaile, Mark Burdon of the North East Party, and David Minchella of the Liberal Democrats will also contest the seat.

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Meet the 20-year-old astrophysics student with Asperger's hoping to be a Tory councillor - Gazette Live