Young people take to the polls to elect New Youth MP

Thousands of young people are hitting the polls this week to vote in the elections for the next Blackburn with Darwen Youth MP.

The voting which is taking place across the borough, closes in schools and colleges this Friday (March 17) and in youth clubs on Sunday (March 19).

Up for election, are seven willing candidates from across the borough who have put their hats in the ring all vying to take over from incumbent Hamza Khan.

In the running are Elle Walsh and Aliyah Shah both aged 15,  Zachariya Bux, 14, the current deputies, Joshua Logan, 17 and Ummaih Shah, 15 as well as Aysha Dagra, 16, and Kathleen McGurk, 16.

Current BwD Youth MP, Hamza Khan was recently awarded a One Voice award for Young leader of the year for his role as Youth MP.

The MP’s duties will include attending the Council’s executive and scrutiny boards, representing young people’s voices in meetings and events and regularly visiting youth clubs and school councils from across the borough.

The Youth MP will attend the annual Youth MP sitting in the House of Commons in November along with all the Youth MPs from around the country where they will debate the top issues affecting young people.

In addition, the Youth MP with be expected to campaign on their manifesto issues throughout the year and organise events, attend monthly regional Youthforia events with other youth councils from across the North West and focus groups on issues such as Health, Transport and Education.

The new Youth MP and their deputes will be announced at a ceremony in the Council Chamber at Blackburn Town Hall on Monday, March 20.