Bury Youth Cabinet Invites Future Leaders to Stand for UK Youth Parliament

Bury Youth Cabinet will be electing a new member of Youth Parliament in February next year and would like to invite young people aged 11 – 18 who are interested in representing the borough to come along to an information session on Tuesday, 2nd December, from 4.00 – 6.00pm at the Elizabethan Suite to find out more.

The UK Youth Parliament provides opportunities for young people to make their voices heard. Young people vote for their MYPs every two years, in elections held in over 70% of constituencies, and often in schools.  

The current Member of Youth Parliament for Bury is 17-year-old Samir Aabidou, who will continue to serve until March 2026. During his time as MYP, Samir, who was elected when he was a student at Parrenthorn High School, has been able to voice the thoughts of young people on a range of issues, and was even given the opportunity in the House of Commons about the importance of political education in schools.

Samir said: “It’s been great, having my stint as Member of Youth Parliament for Bury. My personal highlight would be the everyday stuff: making the case for young people across the borough, challenging Councillors, council officers, GMP, TfGM, our MPs and many more.

“Nationally, I used my speech in the House of Commons to highlight the inequalities young people in deprived areas face. I also spent many days in Parliament representing the North West during the Youth Select Committee’s inquiry into youth violence and social media, concluding with us presenting our findings to 10 Downing Street.

“Bury is the best borough in the best city in the world, and I’m proud to have represented it. Youth Parliament is a fantastic opportunity, and I wish the next member the very best.”

Funded through a grant from the Department of Culture, Media and Sport, the UK Youth Parliament brings young people into the policymaking and parliamentary process, with direct access to decision makers. Key activities include participating in regional roundtable events and undertaking a national ballot of UK-wide youth views, Make Your Mark. 

The MYPs also campaign locally, regionally and nationally throughout the year and deliver sessions with schools and in the community to engage young people with the democratic process. 

Anybody who lives in, or attends a school in Bury can stand as a member of Youth Parliament, but it is imperative that anyone who is interested attends the information session on the 2nd December. If they decide to stand, they will need to attend each youth cabinet meeting between then and when the elections take place - we will give them all the dates at the information session.

Councillor Lucy Smith, Cabinet Member for Children and Young People at Bury Council, said: “Giving young people a genuine say in the decisions that affect them is vital, and the Youth Parliament provides an incredible platform for that.

“At Bury Council, we deeply care about listening to our young people because their voices are key to how we work and make decisions. We believe our young people have strong opinions, great ideas and a real determination to shape the future of their borough. We’re proud to support opportunities like this where they can represent their peers, challenge decision makers, and show just how much they have to offer.”

For more information, please contact youthparticipation@bury.gov.uk