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Candidates Sought for Youth Parliament Elections

Young people interested in politics and representing their peers are being invited to stand as candidates in the UK Youth Parliament election next January.

The UK Youth Parliament comprises around 600 members aged between 11 and 18 (known as MYPs) representing constituencies in the same way as MPs in the House of Commons. The constituencies are rather larger, and usually correspond with the boundaries of local authorities.

Cheshire West and Chester is currently represented by Ciaran O'Shea from Malpas and Becca Annells from Crowton. A third local young person, Jessica Colston, holds a regionally elected position in the Youth Parliament and she is one of the team organising its next National Sitting. This will be held in Leeds for three days at the end of July.

Elections are held every two years and the next election runs from January 13th to February 14th next year and successful candidates will be MYPs until February 2016.

MYPs meet regularly to hold debates and plan campaigns, at venues including the House of Commons. The annual House of Commons debates are unique as the Youth Parliament is the only other body permitted to use the Commons Chamber.

Over the years several young people from West Cheshire have spoken with distinction in the Commons, most recently Ms Colston, 17, a pupil at Bishops' Bluecoat High School. It was her barnstorming speech to close a debate on the need for a curriculum that reflects the needs young people have for education that prepares them for life not merely for work, which persuaded MYPs to choose ‘A Curriculum for Life' as their 2013 campaign.

Young people hold important positions throughout the organisation's management, and it has been endorsed by the leaders of all three main political parties.

Young people who would like to know more about standing for the UK Youth Parliament should contact Ron Davies, at Cheshire West and Chester Council. "Any young person aged 11 or over can stand, as long as they have not turned 17 by March 1st 2014," Mr Davies explained.

Enquiries should be sent to Ronald.davies@cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk.

More information is available on the Youth Parliament website.

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