Applications launched to find boroughs next youth parliament member

Current MYP Louis Tweedale and Deputy MYP Anita Okunde

The starting gun has been fired on the new race to be the borough’s next Member of Youth Parliament.

Rochdale Borough Council’s youth service is on the lookout for young people who are really passionate about issues their peers face and who want to make a difference locally and nationally.

The role of Member of Youth Parliament involves speaking on behalf of the youth cabinet, working alongside the borough’s children’s champion to improve the lives of children and young people, attending meetings, participating in Youthforia – the regional youth forum for the North West, and having enthusiasm, energy and interest in the rights of children and young people.

Councillor Kieran Heakin, the council’s cabinet member for children’s services, said: “I hope we see lots of applications, I know that we have really engaged young people who are interested in making a difference, being the borough’s Member of Youth Parliament enables you to do this on a local and national stage. It is an amazing thing to be a part of, so, if you are interested, or know a young person who is, then apply today.”

Deadline for applications is Friday 7 December 2018. After that applications will be reviewed and shortlisted candidates will be interviewed. Final candidates will be announced before they start campaigning on their manifesto pledges in schools so that children and young people from across the borough can elect a new MYP in the New Year.

Last year 8,885 votes were cast in the election that elected Louis Tweedale as MYP. He said: “I’ve loved my term and I’m really proud of everything I have been involved in; and ultimately the difference I have made. I know lots of young people are passionate about their local area, about young people’s voices being heard and this is a great opportunity to channel those passions. My friends encouraged me to apply and I can’t thank them enough so I’d encourage others to apply too.”

The Deputy MYP position is also up for grabs and will play a vital role in supporting the MYP during their term.

The MYP role is supported by the UK Youth Parliament who aim to give the young people of the UK between the ages of 11 and 19 a voice. This voice will be heard and listened to by local and national government, providers of services for young people and other agencies that have an interest in the views and needs of young people.

UK Youth Parliament is an independent national charity that has a rolling programme of activities across the year. This includes an annual sitting, regional meetings, and regular dialogue with Ministers including the Prime Minister and opposition spokespeople with inputs to policy and programme development.

Applications must be submitted to the youth service by Friday 7 December 2018.

For more information and an application pack visit:

• rochdale.gov.uk/youthservice