Young people get their say

Voting is now open for a new Sutton candidate for the UK Youth Parliament.  

There are eight candidates standing for election for the 2011 Youth Parliament and local young people can now vote for an MYP to represent their views at a national level. 

Anyone aged 11- 18 who goes to school in the borough can vote until 14 November using the ballot papers delivered directly to schools. 

Mayan Al-Shakarchy, Leon Amanquah, Tali Atvars, Kes Daood, Arun Dawson, Lilly Lovatt, Kushal Shah and Ross Taylor are all standing for the chance to become Sutton’s MYP and have an input into decision making both locally and across the country. are all standing for the chance to become Sutton’s MYP and have an input into decision making both locally and across the country.  

This is the 10^th year that Sutton has taken part in the Youth Parliament. 

The eight nominees will also form the Sutton Youth Parliament and meet regularly to discuss and deliver local and national campaigns. 

This year Sutton’s Youth MP Megan Barnes and Deputy Youth MP Maria Finnerty have been able to take part in debates at the House of Commons and been interviewed for BBC TV series ‘Panorama’ as well as attending the annual Youth Parliament sitting in Belfast; sitting on an Olympic panel with Jonathan Edwards, hosting a Sutton schools debate and will also soon be going to Mayor’s question time with Boris Johnson.  

The newly elected members will shadow Megan and Maria until February then officially take on their role as of March 1^st 2011. 

Cllr Dave Callaghan, Executive Member for Children, Families and Youth Services on Sutton Council, said: “The Youth Parliament is a superb way for young people to have a direct influence on issues that affect them.  

“This is a great chance for all young people in Sutton to voice their opinions and I encourage everyone to vote for the candidate with policies they agree with and find inspiring.” 

Results of the elections will be announced on 19^th November. 

Young people interested in getting more involved with decision making in Sutton should visit www.sutton.gov.uk/youngadvisors or for more information on the youth parliament visit |http://www.ukyouthparliament.org.uk/| or for more information on the youth parliament visit