Young people can represent Bucks in the House of Commons

Young people interested in democracy have the chance to be elected to represent Buckinghamshire in the House of Commons.

Elections are taking place later this year in schools around the county for the national Youth Parliament – and any interested young people can apply.

Three members, aged between 11 to 18 (or up to 25 if disabled), will be chosen for Buckinghamshire. They will each represent one of three areas – Wycombe, Aylesbury and Chiltern & South Bucks. In addition, there will be two deputies for each area.

In previous years, around 15,000 people voted in the elections, with a turn-out of more than 40 per cent of school-age children.

Once elected, the members will have the chance to sit in the House of Commons in November and vote on a topical issue.

They will also represent the county at regional level and will learn presentation and research skills.

The process is being organised locally by the Youth Service at Buckinghamshire County Council which is now appealing for young people to come forward to be considered.

The service is running an information and training day for prospective candidates on Tuesday 1st September from 10.30am to 4.00pm in High Wycombe.

Zahir Mohammed, County Council Cabinet Member for Education and Skills, said: “This is a fantastic opportunity for anyone who enjoys being involved in debate and who wants to make their voice heard.

“The elected members will carry out research, plan questions and go to the Commons, where they will vote as MPs do. I look forward to seeing how this latest election turns out.”

?Anyone who is interested in becoming a candidate, should emailyourvoicecounts@buckscc.gov.uk

To find out more about the youth parliament, go to www.ukyouthparliament.org.uk/