Wiltshire’s young people encouraged to stand for youth elections in 2020

Are you aged between 11 and 18? Do you want to make a real positive difference in your local community? Then Wiltshire needs you!

Young people in Wiltshire who want to make a positive difference in their area are encouraged to put themselves forward to be a Member of the Youth Parliament (MYP) for 2020.

The parliament provides opportunities for those aged 11 to 18 years to use their elected voice to bring about social change through meaningful representation and campaigning.

Members of the Youth Parliament (MYPs) serve a one-year term and champion young people’s issues locally and nationally.

The registration process is now open until 16th December. Elections take place from 3rd-14th February for MYPs, who will take their seats from 1st March..

Cllr Philip Whitehead, leader of Wiltshire Council said, “The young people of Wiltshire are our future. We need their energy and ideas to make real positive difference. They will be following in the footsteps of some great MYPs and I hope we will have many nominations for this great opportunity.”

Over 1,000 votes were cast in last year’s 2019 election and Declan Kiely (Wiltshire North), Heather Louse Newton (Wiltshire East) and Aanya Mary Verma (Wiltshire West) all took up their term of office.

Candidates will be asked to complete a registration form and submit a video-manifesto by 16th December for using during the campaign and election period. 

Those successfully elect-ed will have a number of roles, including: • Work with local councillors and MPs to promote youth voice • Attend regional conventions of the UK Youth Parliament (three Saturdays a year) • Attend the House of Commons to debate issues in November 2020 • Become an active member of the Wiltshire Assembly of Youth

Wiltshire has three seats on the UK Youth Parliament. The successful MYPs will stand in the area where they go to school and those living in Wiltshire or attending boarding school here can apply. More details and nomination forms are available at: www.wilt shire.gov.uk/ children-young-people-voice