Candidates call for youth elections in Northumberland

Annabelle Cooper, a previous Member of Youth Parliament from Northumberland, speaking in the House of Commons.

Anyone aged 13 to 19 and attending school in Northumberland can nominate themselves as a candidate to stand on campaigns that would benefit young people.

There are two places available in the Northumberland Youth Parliament, which represents the county on a regional and national platform and brings attention to issues affecting young people.

Northumberland Youth Cabinet has five openings for members with a passion for bringing about social change.

The cabinet represents young people’s views within the council and county and has the ability to suggest policy changes to key decision-makers and ways in which the council can work better for young people.

MYPs (Members of Youth Parliament) from across the country vote for their top national campaign annually. They have previously included mental health services for young people and votes for 16 and 17-year-olds.

In previous years, members have taken their issues to Westminster in debates chaired by the Speaker, John Bercow MP, in the House of Commons, getting the chance to sit on the prestigious green benches.

Candidate nominations are open from now until noon on Friday, October 21. From Monday, October 31, candidates will campaign for votes and results will be announced in December. Newly-elected members will start their two-year term of office in February.

For more, contact 01670 620320 or [email protected]Northumberland County Council’s cabinet member for children’s services, Robert Arckless, said: “Northumberland Youth Parliament is a great way for young people to gain experience of elections and the democratic process.

“The Youth Parliament in Northumberland has made a big difference to youth services in the county and with a total of 5,500 votes last year, we are seeing an increasing number of young people getting involved.

“It’s great to see so many young people enthusiastic about making a real difference in their county and I’m excited to hear about the plans our potential candidates have for the county.”