Westmorland and Furness Council is inviting 11 to 18-year-olds to stand in this year’s UK Youth Parliament elections and represent the views of the area’s young people at regional and national level.
Westmorland and Furness Council has one Member of Youth Parliament (MYP) seat available and two Deputy Member of Youth Parliament (DMYP) posts.
Young people have until Sunday 24 March 2024 to apply to be a candidate and voting opens on Monday 6 May 2024.
Councillor Sue Sanderson, the council’s Cabinet Member for Children’s Services, Education and Skills, said: “Everywhere I go in Westmorland and Furness, I am impressed by our young people. They are caring, well informed and confident when it comes to expressing their views.
“Getting involved in Youth Parliament gives you the chance to speak up for your peers and make their voices heard by decision makers.
“You might think, “party politics isn’t for me”, but the most important thing is understanding the issues facing young people here in Westmorland and Furness, then representing their views to try to make a difference.
“If you think this could be for you, or if you’d like to ask some questions before deciding, please don’t hesitate to contact us and we can talk you through what’s involved.”
To find out more and request an application form, email lynne.murray@westmorlandandfurness.gov.uk
Candidates must be:
- Aged 11 to 18 (the term of office is two years, from 1 June 2024 to February 2026, and if a candidate turns 19 during their term in office they must stand down)
- Live, work or study in the Westmorland and Furness area
- Take their responsibilities seriously
- Have an interest and views on topical issues
- Listen to and respect others’ views
- Be able to speak their mind and ask for support, advice and help if needed
- Be committed, lively and outgoing
- Be a member of Westmorland and Furness Youth Council or agree to join once an application form has been submitted.
Timeline
- Sunday 24 March 2024 – deadline for returning completed application forms.
- Wednesday 10 April 2024 – training day at Penrith Methodist Church Hall where you will have the chance to meet other candidates, find out more about the role and decide if you want to go forward to election.
- Sunday 28 April 2024 – write and submit your manifesto by this date.
- Monday 6 to Friday 17 May – voting takes place.
- Wednesday 29 May – results announced.
To find out more about Youth Parliament, visit: British Youth Council | UK Youth Parliament (byc.org.uk)