Congratulations to Dorset’s newly-elected Youth Parliament Members. (MYPS)
Ted Paul and Ellie Davis, have been elected as members and Olly Cullis and Phoebe Crutchley have been elected deputies.
A total of 11 candidates stood for election and 11,962 students voted (61 per cent turn out) after weeks of campaigning. The election is run by Participation People in partnership with Dorset Council.
MYPs represent Dorset on a regional and national basis, helping to engage young people in politics, democracy and citizenship. In partnership with Dorset Youth Council, they deliver a #YouthVoice manifesto to improve the lives of young people.
Ted said: “I’m quite amazed! I’d like to thank all my supporters, I can’t wait to get started.”
Ellie said: “I’ve been wanting to run for a long time. I was nervous, but hearing that so many people support what I support is amazing.”
The candidates campaigned on a huge range of issues including improving mental health services, tackling climate change, better skills for life teaching , better jobs and pay for young people, better facilities for disabled young people, reducing stigma for the LGBTQ+ community, better arts and culture opportunities for young people, lower bus fares, equal opportunities for young people in rural areas and reducing litter.
The election results were announced yesterday, Thursday 6 February, at a ceremony at County Hall in Dorchester.
Cllr Andrew Parry, Dorset Council Portfolio Holder for Children, Education and Early Help, said: “Congratulations to the new Youth Parliament Members and Deputies, who are taking their first steps on the political ladder.
“Once again, we had a field of very high calibre of candidates from across Dorset. I’d like to thanks all the candidates for campaigning passionately and inspiring thousands of their peers to vote in the Youth Parliament elections.
“Congratulations again to the successful MYPs and their deputies. I am confident they will be a strong voice for young people in Dorset at a local and national level”.
A total of 25 schools took part and hosted the election across Dorset. Last year Dorset’s MYPs tackled a range of issues relevant to young people. Find out more about the Youth Parliament.
