Introducing the new members of Youth Parliament for Leeds

The Leeds members of Youth Parliament have now been elected for this year. This group of young people attend the Houses of Commons every November to inform the government of the important issues for young people.

Our three new members of Youth Parliament for Leeds are Gurman Kaur Dev, 12, Lanre Adeleye, 17, and Lois Preistley, 12. 

36 young people aged 11-18 applied to become Members of Youth Parliament by writing a manifesto on a subject important to them and these were shortlisted to six candidates who were entered into the election. Candidates have to live or go to school in Leeds.

The manifestos covered a wide range of subjects including tackling climate change, improving mental health services, cheaper transport and plastic pollution.

In a bid to get elected, the six finalists had four weeks to run their election campaigns using a range of different methods such as doing assemblies in schools, talks in youth groups, campaigning on social media and even featuring in local papers.

Councillor Fiona Venner, executive member for children and families, said:

“Congratulations to our three new Members of Youth Parliament for Leeds. I am delighted that we had such enthusiasm from the children in Leeds to be a part of this and have their voices heard for the young people of our city.

Giving our children and young people a voice is so important and the Members of Youth Parliament continues to provide amazing opportunities for them to make a difference to their city and communities.”

Gurman Kaur Dev from Allerton Grange High School said: “I am really excited and looking forward to representing Leeds's young people at the House of Commons in November”.

Lanre Adeleye from Roundhay School said: “I am extremely proud to be an elected MYP, I cannot wait to make a difference in our city and the wider community”.

Lois Priestley from Cardinal Heenan Catholic High School said: “I feel really privileged to be an MYP for Leeds and cannot wait to make a difference”.

Follow the journeys of the Leeds Members of Youth Parliament by following @LeedsYouthVoice on Twitter.

ENDS

For media enquiries, please contact:

Philippa Williams

Graduate communications and marketing assistant

Email: Philippa.Williams@leeds.gov.uk