Youth MP hopefuls line up
SIX candidates are on the campaign trail as they bid to become Rochdale’s Member of Youth Parliament.
Following a closely contested application and interview process, six candidates are up for election.
They are Louis Tweedale from Hollingworth Academy, Bartek Szymkiewicz from St Cuthbert’s, Myiesha Amani from Oulder Hill, Anita Okunde from Kingsway Park and Adam Wilkinson and Evie Gray, both from Wardle Academy.
Coun Kieran Heakin, cabinet member for children’s services, said: “Each year we see fantastic candidates up for election.
“It is really great to see young people getting involved in the youth parliament and the democracy process at an early age.
“They will learn so much in this experience that will help them in later life, they should be really proud of their achievements this far.”
The election is now open and ballot papers are available from the youth service and will be in schools across the borough and we are hoping to beat last year’s record breaking voter turnout of 11,000 votes cast.
You can watch all the candidates give their manifesto pledges, and the topics they are passionate about, in their bid to win your votes at vimeo. com/250197232.
Mental health, votes for 16 year olds, job and activity opportunities and preparing for adult life are some of the prominent topics candidates wish to focus on.
Heather Mellalieu, lead youth worker at the youth service, said: “It was a very close nailbiting ending to a really enjoyable interview evening with all our shortlisted young people participating and showing us how much Rochdale borough has to offer, we are really proud of their work.”
The election closes on Wednesday, February 21, with the results being announced the following day at the town hall.
The new MYP will replace Hollingworth Academy pupil Sarah Mahmood, who was elected last March after a record turnout in voting.
The year 11 student saw off competition from five other candidates, securing 36 per cent of the votes cast by 11,000 young people in school and colleges across the borough.
In her acceptance speech Sarah said: “I am proud and honoured to be elected.
“I would like to thank my fellow candidates and everyone who took the time to vote in this huge democratic process for young people.
“It was an amazing turnout.
“I can’t wait to start campaigning on the priorities for Rochdale’s young people.”