Calling Barnet’s young people – your borough needs you!

Young Barnet residents looking to get into politics this year have until 16 January to send in their applications to represent their borough in the UK Youth Parliament.

With the current four members of Barnet Youth Parliament shortly reaching the end of their term, anyone aged from 11-18 in the borough can get involved.

Last year’s Youth Parliament Members represented their borough’s young people at regional conventions, and at the House of Commons’ Debate, while also becoming involved in international projects.

London Academy pupil, Temi Mwale, 17, said her successful stint as a Youth Parliament Deputy over the past year showed her that she could succeed in life through being “motivated and determined”.

During her Youth Parliament year, Temi created a documentary on gang issues, starring young Barnet residents, and plans to continue supporting young people to make positive choices.

This year four young people will be elected – two Members of Youth Parliament (MYPs) and two deputy MYPs. After the applications are all received, the candidates’ profiles are uploaded online and voted for by the borough’s young people, and the elections will take place on 4 March.

Councillor Andrew Harper, Cabinet Member for Education, Children and Families, said:

“It’s great to see our young people making such a positive impact and gaining a valuable insight into the democratic process. I look forward to welcoming our new Members of the UKYP.

“Applications have already started to come in and I am keen to see an even greater number of candidates in the running this year.”

Anyone in Barnet aged 11 to 18 can register as a candidate or get for more information, by calling: 020 8359 4373, text: 0777 199 5127 or emailing: ukyp@barnet.gov.uk. The deadline for entries is 16 January 2013 at 5pm.