News

Poole is soon to witness the end of term for its current Member of Youth Parliament (MYP), Ruth Bessant. Her position is to be filled by a candidate standing in the UKYP elections on Friday 28 January. The elections are to be held at the Civic Centre in Poole, with an open invitation to all young people aged 11-19, to either stand as an MYP, if they live in the Borough of Poole, or come along and meet new people.

The role of the MYP is considered very important in Poole, a position of both responsibility, representing the voice of young people in Poole, and opportunity, receiving invitations to many local functions requiring a youth representative. It also involves working alongside Youth PR co-ordinator Lucy Moseley to publicise young people's concerns and activities by attending regional meetings and attending a national sitting with all the UK MYPs to create a unifying manifesto.

Ruth Bessant, current MYP, heralds the opportunity as: "A good way to voice your concerns at a national level, a fantastic way to make friends and a unique way to get involved with issues which have an impact on young people in Poole."

The elections begin at 5.30pm with the arrival of the Mayor of Poole Cllr Les Burden, and a welcome introduction, followed by refreshments and advice to prospective candidates from MPs Annette Brooke and Robert Syms. Attending to help nominees write their hustings - the speech from candidates to their voters - will be Poole Councillors who have been very supportive of the work of Poole Youth Forum and the UKYP elections. The Borough of Poole's Electoral Services will also be present to ensure an official voting process is carried out. The election results will be announced at 9.15pm and at the end of the night, a young band, 'Tru', has been given the opportunity to perform live until 10.30pm.

Peter Cooper, Senior Youth Worker, Youth Services, Borough of Poole, said: "It encourages young people to form a face in political processes."

All those who stand will receive certificates in recognition of their efforts to stand voluntarily for such a responsibility. The UKYP elections are considered a very important process by Youth Services, who coordinate the evening and fully support the work of the MYP.