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25 Oct 00

FIRST MEMBER OF YOUTH PARLIAMENT IS ELECTED

Poole's first member of the UK's Youth Parliament, Chris Harwood, was elected in a closely fought election yesterday (Tuesday 24 October).

Based at Borough of Poole's Civic Centre, Chris, aged 17, from Canford Heath, beat stiff competition to become the UK's first openly elected Member of the Youth Parliament (MYP).

The first town in the country to hold elections open to all 11-18 year olds, over 20 young people took part in a series of workshops organised by the Borough of Poole's Youth Services and Electoral Services on the work of the Youth Parliament.

Elected from eight nominees, Chris, a former student from St Edward's School, Poole, is currently taking a year out from his studies at Bournemouth and Poole College to study youth work. Chris, said: " It was a really interesting day and I'm looking forward to starting work. Young people's views are really important and this is a chance for people at the top to hear them."

Peter Cooper, Senior Youth Worker, Borough of Poole, said: "The day turned out to be a real success with many young people realising how their views can make a difference to issues which are important to them. As Poole's member of the Youth Parliament, Chris will have the opportunity to be heard and listened to by local and national Government. Becoming a voice for the young people in Poole is a big responsibility but I think it is one that he'll enjoy."

The first meeting of the Youth Parliament will take pIace in London in February 2001. MYPs will then decide how often and where the UK Youth Parliament will meet in the future.

Peter Cooper, Youth Services