More young people stand out for the crowd in Warwickshire
Warwickshire’s young politicians are on the campaign trail to stand for Parliament.
A record 29 young people from around the county are standing to become Warwickshire’s new Members of UK Youth Parliament (MYPs).
The candidates, who are aged between 12 and 18, will be competing fiercely for just four seats.
During their term of office MYPs represent the views and interests of young people in their constituency, both locally and nationally, by meeting councillors, MPs and other decision makers to take forward issues of local importance.
Last year’s MYPs brought three national campaigns to the fore including votes at 16, cheaper transport for young people and better relationship and sex education.
They also contributed to the debate on climate change and attended the annual sitting of Youth Parliament in Glasgow, in addition to regional meetings with other MYPs.
The elections are organised by Warwickshire County Council’s Youth and Community Service.
The campaigning period starts now and votes can be cast from Friday 1 to Friday 8 February by text message, online voting or by visiting polling stations in schools and youth centres across Warwickshire. The results will be announced on Saturday 9 February at De Montfort Hotel, Kenilworth.
Cllr Izzi Seccombe, Cabinet Member (Children’s Services), said: “We welcome the news that even more young people than before want to get directly involved in the political process and stand as a Member of Youth Parliament. As a County Council we work very closely with our MYPs and it is important that young people make their views and concerns heard.”
The aim of the Youth Parliament is to give young people in the UK a voice which will be listened to by local and national government, providers of services for young people and other agencies who have an interest in the views and needs of young people.