Today we talk to James McGee, owner of Wantage Funeral Service and youngest elected politician in the UK in 2007 WHAT I’M CALLED: James George McGee. Most from school would remember me as Jim or McGee, but anything goes.

MY AGE: 26, although I look like I had a very long paper-round as a child.

WHAT I DO: I started working in the funeral service when I was just 15. Over the years I have gained much experience and knowledge of the industry which led us towards opening Wantage Funeral Service this year. I am very proud and the public support has been overwhelming, thank you. Having an office so close to Greggs does mean I eat far too much cake, though!

WHERE I LIVE: I live in Grove with Kerryn, Oreo our dog, the cat and five chickens, plus possibly a mouse in the loft as well. I moved there in 1998 but lived alone from 15 after my mum’s death.

l WHO I LOVE: I’ve been held captive for the last 18 months by my partner Kerryn. We have formed a great relationship and I can’t wait for our future together. Her dad, Rob (Graham) and her step-mum Julie have been such wonderful support since we met.

HAPPIEST YEAR: 2013. After several stressful occasions over the years, we finally opened Wantage Funeral Service. Although starting and running a business is stressful, we are really excited about the future. I’m not a Labour supporter but things can only get better!

DARKEST MOMENT: When I was 15 my mum passed away aged just 44. In 2011 my dad passed away aged 57. As an only child, both occasions were more stressful than I’d expected. My family and friends’ support and the kindness from my colleagues at the time helped me to stay on track.

PROUDEST BOAST: Becoming the youngest elected politician in the UK was amazing. I was elected with 1,067 votes to serve on Vale of White Horse District Council. It was a culture shock as it is so political, but it was great drinking with Boris Johnson at Williams.

WORST WEAKNESS: I can be a little impulsive at times as I like things done properly.

LESSONS LEARNED: Be yourself and be as kind as you can to everyone. It is all too easy to try and please everyone else, but they’ll appreciate you being human.

DULLEST JOB: Cleaning out the chickens.

GREATEST SHAME: I’m normally ashamed to be a Wycombe supporter as they never please me.

LIFELONG HERO: My parents. Everyone has a celebrity hero, but when I think though of all the support and love they gave me, not to mention the suffering they both experienced through their illnesses, they were as brave and heroic as anyone could be.

OLDEST FRIEND: Ricky. We met at 1861 Air Training Corps in 2000 and have been great friends since.

WIDEST SMILE: At opening Wantage Funeral Service. I was so proud to see our office on completion. It’s such a big step to take and we’re both so pleased with this achievement. Of course Kerryn is worth a smile all the time.

FAVOURITE DREAM: The dream where I wake up in my mansion in the Maldives. For now, though, I’ll stick with having a happy family, one day… BIGGEST REGRET: I suppose it’s missing chances when they came along.