​Woodhey pupil wins vote of confidence in UK Youth Parliament

Thousands of young people across the borough seized the chance to play their part in the democratic process and choose 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.

No fewer than 5,655 young people aged 11-18 went to the ballot box to cast their vote for one of 8 candidates, who had spent weeks canvassing support from young people whether face to face or via social media.

Emma Greenwood of Woodhey High School was elected as Bury's MYP with 1,238 votes, and her two deputies will be Elle-Sue Calderbank from Tottington High School (860 votes) and Josh Harcup from Prestwich Arts College (737 votes).

Members of Youth Parliament (MYPs) meet regionally and nationally to create manifestos and campaign for issues raised by young people. MYPs meet adult politicians and other decision-makers to create positive changes; they are also the only group other than adult Members of Parliament who are allowed to sit and debate in the House of Commons chamber.

The votes were counted and verified at Bury Town Hall by the council's electoral services team, with support from children's services staff.

Councillor Rishi Shori, leader of Bury Council, said: “Bury is determined to ensure that young people’s voices are heard loud and clear both locally and across the country. We pride ourselves in giving young people as many diverse opportunities to have their say as we can, and this election is just one example of this commitment. I would like to thank our previous MYP Numair Khalid for his hard work and dedication over the last two years and offer my sincere congratulations to Emma Greenwood and wish her good luck in her new role ”

Any young people who would like more information about the council's Youth Cabinet can email youth participation officers Adele Crowshaw or Heather Walton at a.crowshaw@bury.gov.uk / h.walton@bury.gov.uk or call 0161 253 7165.

ENDS

Press release issued: 8 February 2019.

Picture: We have a winner! At the count are (front, from left) Elle-Sue Calderbank, deputy MYP; Emma Greenwood, Bury’s new MYP; Josh Harcup, deputy MYP; (back, from left) Geoff Little, chief executive of Bury Council; Cllr Rishi Shori, leader of the council; and the Mayor of Bury, Cllr Jane Black.