Announcement of Shropshire’s new Members of Youth Parliament (MYPs)
A record number of young people aged 11 to 18 have voted for their MYPs at schools and colleges throughout Shropshire since December 2013.
This year, 13 young people from across Shropshire stood as candidates for four positions – two MYPs and two deputy MYPs.
18,320 young people voted in the 2014 MYP elections, which is the biggest turnout since they were first held in the county in 1999.
Young people were invited to a special celebration event where voluntary youth groups were presented with their funding certificates by Richard Parkes on behalf of Keith Barrow, Leader of Shropshire Council.
A total of £56,000 was awarded to groups to buy equipment and run activities.
The event opened with a chance to listen to the Boreatton Scouts Drum and Bugle Corps, and young people had the opportunity to get involved in several workshops including Shrewsbury Youth Theatre, Ancient Amusements from the Altai, Food Pictures, Debating with the MYPs, and Health Champions.
The event ended with the announcement of results of the new MYPs, who are Rhys Hart, 17, of Bayston Hill, Shrewsbury, who studies at Shrewsbury Sixth Form College, and 15-year-old Laura Sheldon, of Ludlow, who goes to Ludlow CE School.
New Deputy MYPs are 16-year-old Fenwick Jeffery, who lives in Ditherington, Shrewsbury, and Georgia Kelly, 13, who lives in Ellesmere and goes to Lakelands Academy.
The new MYPs will represent young people locally, regionally and nationally for the next 12 months. They will ensure that young people’s views are hear,d and influence policies on a range of issues which affect them.
Keith Barrow said:
“The number of people who voted is fantastic, and shows the young people of Shropshire are really getting behind the Youth Parliament initiative. Our Members of Youth Parliament do a great job and are a credit to themselves and Shropshire.”
Rhys Hart said:
“I am really pleased to be re-elected. I am happy to be able to represent young people for a further term in office.”
Laura Sheldon said:
“Last year was fantastic. We had our first ever Children and Young People’s Race For Life, supported gay and lesbian young people in the first ever LGBT carnival float in the Shrewsbury carnival, and organised de-stress events to help improve young people’s health and happiness. We are looking forward to another action-packed year.”
For more information about the MYP elections contact Lorraine Warrender on 07582 002587 or email lorraine.warrender@shropshire.gov.uk.
The grants issued at the event were assessed by young people themselves, and our Members of Youth Parliament ratified the grants.
