Order, order! Bury elects its new Youth MP

Thousands of young people in Bury seized the chance to play their part in the democratic process.

They have elected a new student to represent the borough as Bury’s Member of Youth Parliament.

All schools and colleges in Bury set up polling stations and encouraged their students to vote in the elections.

The students, aged 11-19, had 11 candidates to choose from, who had spent weeks canvassing support from young people whether face to face or via social media.

All told, there were 4,904 votes cast on the big day, Thursday 26 February.

Bilal Qureshi (aged 13) of Parrenthorn High School received the most votes and will now be Member of Youth Parliament for Bury for two years. The candidates who came second and third will serve as his deputies: they are Emily Branney (aged 14) of St Monica’s RC High School, and Nathan Hughes (aged 17) of Holy Cross College.

Bilal will represent Bury in the UK Youth Parliament at a local level, at a regional level and at a national level – later in the year he will attend the House of Commons to take part in youth parliament debates.

Mike Kelly, Bury Council’s chief executive, acted as returning officer. He said: “It’s great to see so many young people getting involved in issues that affect them. I’m sure that Bilal will be a fantastic ambassador for the borough, ably assisted by Emily and Nathan.”

ENDS

Press release issued: 11 March 2015.

Picture attached: At the election result announcement are (from left) Nathan Hughes, new deputy MYP; Bilal Qureshi, new MYP; Mike Kelly, council chief executive; Mark Carriline, executive director for young people, children and culture; and Emily Branney, new deputy MYP.