Young politicians elected to Parliament
Warwickshire’s election day for young people saw four budding politicians win seats at the UK Youth Parliament.
Ruby Davies from Nuneaton, Djaillane Diallo from Warwick, Eleanor Irving from Stratford and Teboho Maphosa from Warwick were elected as the county’s new Members of UK Youth Parliament (MYPs).
Their four elected deputies are Dawn Haffner from Nuneaton, Andrew Martin from Warwick, Sam Owens from Nuneaton and Josh Newman from Rugby.
This year there were 41 Warwickshire youngsters contesting to be Members of UK Youth Parliament, and 17,725 votes were cast during the elections at schools, colleges and youth centres.
This is an increase of 3,927 votes on last year, and 41.9 per cent of the young population aged 13-19 took part in this year’s elections.
During their term of office, the youngsters will 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.
This year MYP elections took place alongside elections for VOX, the county’s youth council, which saw 15 successful candidates from around Warwickshire take seats. The panel will represent the voice of youth by addressing issues affecting young people on a county level.
Cabinet member Cllr Heather Timms, Portfolio Holder for Children, Young People and Families, said: “The outgoing MYPs and VOX have had a great year and should be proud of their achievements. They have set a high standard for our new young politicians and panel members to follow but I’m confident they will all rise to the challenge.
“These young people are our future and having met them I know it is in safe hands, I wish them all the best for their year in office. “
The first meeting is on Thursday, April 7, from 6.15pm until 8.45pm at Shire Hall in Warwick.