Blackburn with Darwen Youth Election 2024 – Three new Youth MPs selected

More than 6,000 young people took part in this year’s Blackburn with Darwen Youth Election to select a new Youth MP to represent the voices of young people across the borough.

Zainab Shah attends Witton Park High School and was selected as Youth MP supported by Deputies – Ethan Woods and Nadeem Iqbal both from BCHS.

Cllr Phil Riley, Leader of Blackburn with Darwen Council, congratulated the new Youth MP and her Deputies and discussed how young people can influence important decisions as part of the democratic process at both the Executive Board and scrutiny meetings. He also praised the outgoing Youth MP Muhammed Bapu and thanked him for his commitment both as Deputy Youth MP for 2 years and more recently Youth MP.

Cllr Phil Riley said:

The youth election process gives young people a broader understanding of citizenship and helps create stronger, more inclusive communities. We have had some fantastic candidates this year, focusing on some very important issues. It is great to see so many young people engaged in youth democracy and wanting to improve the outcomes for children and young people in our borough. Good luck to the next Youth MP, Deputies and BwD Youth Forum over the next 2 years.

The event, held in the Council Chamber, was attended by the Chief Executive Denise Park, Director of Children’s Services Jo Siddle, Executive board member of Children’s services Cllr Julie Gunn,  Head of Adolescent Services Imran Akuji, along with Deputy Mayor, Councillor Sylvia Liddle.

Cllr Julie Gunn said:

I’m so proud of all our young people that are a part of the Youth Forum and immensely grateful for all their hard work, in particular the Youth MPs and deputies. They do sterling work for young people in our borough and are great advocates. Congratulations to Zainab, Ethan and Nadeem. I’m looking forward to working alongside them as I did with Muhammed and seeing you shine.

The BwD Youth Elections took place from Monday 26th February to Friday 8th March in all secondary schools, colleges and youth organisations across Blackburn with Darwen to elect the next BwD Youth MP and deputies. The formal announcement took place in the Council Chambers on Monday 11th March.

Muhammed Bapu Youth MP for 2022-2024 attended the event and said:

I’d like to wish the incoming Youth MP and Deputies the best of luck. Being in these positions will be something that will bring invaluable opportunity, experience, and memories, whilst also providing you with the platform to be part of real change.
Enjoy it, but most importantly, work hard to deliver on the campaigns you have been elected on, and for the young people of this borough – and I am sure you will achieve great success.

Job Opportunities, Child Poverty, addressing Gang Culture, Mental Health, Equal Education & access to Sports Facilities are just some of the campaigns that the Youth Forum will focus on.