Young people vote for next Youth MP

Election fever is building as young voters go to the polls to vote for their new youth MP.

Hundreds of young people are voting to decide who will represent them and make sure their voices are heard.

A key role of the youth MP will be to listen to his or her peers and to lobby on behalf of them both nationally and locally.

The youth MP sits on the executive board as an observer along with the deputy youth MPs.

Seven teenage candidates have been debating a range of issues, giving their views on how they can represent the young people of Blackburn with Darwen.

Councillor Kate Hollern, leader of Blackburn with Darwen Council, said: “As a Council we are very keen to make sure the voices of young people are heard.”

“We have one of the youngest populations in the country so their views are very important.

“And getting young people involved and engaged in democracy is important for our society’s future.

“The candidates running in the election all embody the spirit of our your call campaign. They want to make a positive difference in our community. The Youth MP is an important role and they do influence important decisions.”

The votes will be counted on Monday, March 17 with the results at  4.30pm at the Council chambers, Blackburn town hall.

You can get updates from the youth election from the Blackburn with Darwen Council twitter feed under the hashtag  #bwdyouthvote