Warwickshire News Mine

But it will be a date with a difference – not of the romantic kind, but with a political edge.

Because the youngsters will get the opportunity to quiz local politicians on the issues they feel strongly about, as well as get to know them better.

The traditional format of a ‘speed dating’ event has been hi-jacked to provide young people with the opportunity to sit and chat to their local councillor for a few minutes – before moving on to the next councillor!

It’s all part of this year’s Local Democracy Campaign in Warwickshire. The ‘political speed dating’ event, one of a series that are taking place around the county, will be held at Kenilworth Youth Centre on Tuesday (20th November) and has been organised by Warwickshire County Council and Warwick District Council.

The theme of this year’s campaign is ‘take part, take power’ and the aim is to get young people more interested in local politics.

The events proved to be very successful last year, but in a crucial difference this year the councillors are going out to the young people, meeting with them in their local youth clubs, schools and community halls.
Local councillors taking part in the Kenilworth event include, from Warwick District Council, Councillors George Illingworth, Clare Sawdon, Bertie MacKay, Andrew Mobbs, Balvinder Gill, Nick Pittarello, Bob Crowther, Janice Dean, Mike Britland, Judith Falp, and Richard Edwards, and from Warwickshire County Council, Councillors John Whitehouse, Tim Naylor, and Alan Cockburn. Councillor Les Caborn will compere the event.

Warwickshire County Council, in partnership with the county’s borough and district councils, has also arranged a number of schools debates, a young journalist competition and regular weblogs on the Warwickshire County Council website, http://www.warwickshire.gov.uk/localdemocracy, as part of this year’s Local Democracy Campaign.

Link to WCC