Young People in Northumberland go to the polls
05 Mar 2024
Youth Elections 2024
Over 7,000 11–18-year-olds from middle, high and secondary schools voted in this year’s annual Youth Elections.
Key issues on the agenda included the climate emergency, mental health, inclusivity, the cost-of-living and jobs for the future.
Votes were counted and the results declared at County Hall, Morpeth by the council’s Deputy Returning Officer, Lynsey Denyer, Head of Members Services and Elections.
Successful candidates in the Northumberland Youth Cabinet election were:
- William Craft
- Ralph Davies
- Courtney Kirby
- Caroline Peddie
- Toby Piper-Lewins
- Karston Craig Rowland
Also elected to represent Northumberland in the UK Youth Parliament were:
Richard Wearmouth, Deputy Leader of Northumberland County Council, said: “I'd like to thank all the young people who have taken part in these elections, and everyone involved behind the scenes in making it possible.
“Standing for election takes huge courage and I hope the successful candidates enjoy this opportunity to help shape the future of their county and make sure the voices of all young people are heard.
“For those of you were not successful this time – I hope you are proud of what you have achieved to get this far and that it spurs you on to be back again at the next election.”
The Youth Cabinet takes issues that are important to young people in Northumberland to decision makers and turns them into campaigns to influence change.
The Members of the Youth Parliament (MYPs) in Northumberland are representatives on the UK Youth Parliament. The elected members will represent Northumberland on a regional and national platform, working closely with the Youth Cabinet.
All youth representatives will now begin training to understand the roles they play and how they can help shape local decisions.
Voting is also open for this year’s Make Your Mark ballot. The national campaign, run by the British Youth Council, gives 11 to 18-year-olds in the UK the chance to have a say on the biggest issues facing young people.
The top three issues voted for in “Make Your Mark” will set the themes for Members of Youth Parliament from June 2024 to February 2026 and could help to influence hundreds of projects and campaigns led by young people, for young people.
Youth Elections 2024