Voting is underway for new Leeds members of UK Youth Parliament

Ten young people who are taking their first steps into politics are now campaigning hard to win votes to become one of four Members of Youth Parliament for Leeds.

Voting is now under way in this year’s competition, which saw the most entrants ever, with 30 young people submitting an application form and manifesto.

Young people 11 to 18 years old were invited to submit an application to become a Member of Youth Parliament, including writing a short manifesto saying how they would improve an issue that is important to young people in Leeds.

The UK Youth Parliament is run by young people for young people it provides opportunities for young people aged 11-18 years old to use their voice in creative ways to bring about social change.

A panel of officers and a councillor had the difficult job of shortlisting the application forms. These 10 manifestos have now been uploaded to the Breeze website allowing young people aged 11 to 18 years across the city to vote for their three favourite entries. Voting is open until 12pm on Friday 12 February.

The finalists will be invited to a finalists’ reception where the four new Members of Youth Parliament will be announced.

Councillor Lucinda Yeadon, Leeds City Council executive board member for children and families said:

“Being a member of the Youth Parliament is a great opportunity both in terms of representing the views of the children and young people of Leeds nationally, as well as offering a chance for each young person to develop essential skills for a successful future.

“A key part of our aims for being a child friendly city is about giving children and young people a voice. The new Youth Parliament members and deputies will become the voice of the young people of Leeds on a national scale which is fantastic opportunity.”

The shortlisted candidates for the 2016-18 Members of Youth Parliament in Leeds are:

Young people can cast their votes at http://tinyurl.com/LeedsUKYP and can follow the progress of the Members of Youth Parliament on Twitter @LeedsYV