Wokingham Borough’s young people turned out in large numbers to elect Sumaiya Karim as their new Member of Youth Parliament (MYP), after nearly 6,000 young people voted in the twelfth UK youth parliament elections.

Young people aged 11 to 18 from across the Wokingham Borough elected 15-year-old Sumaiya, who attends Maiden Erlegh School and lives in Lower Earley. Some 5,894 votes were cast – the second largest number of votes in the history of Wokingham Borough’s MYP elections. 

Sumaiya received 1,098 votes and will formally take over from the current MYP Amy Longland on February 1, 2012.  Voting took place across the Wokingham Borough at secondary schools, all the youth centres, and community venues, as well as at specialist youth agencies, including the Youth Offending Service.

Charlotte Pugsley, aged 16 and a student at The Holt School, was voted in as Deputy MYP after receiving 953 votes. Sumaiya and Charlotte learnt of their success at a special ceremony held last week (December 7), attended by over 40 friends, family and teachers. Wokingham Borough Mayor Cllr Dianne King, executive member for education services Cllr Rob Stanton and Amy Longland outgoing MYP, all spoke at the ceremony.

Sumaiya has pledged to campaign for reduced public transport fees or the introduction of an off-peak system. Sumaiya also wants to inspire young people to gain employment through work experience and the teaching of work skills in youth centres, as well as improving access to youth services, programmes and centres.

Sumaiya said, "I am really pleased! I hope to improve the things I said I would and other things for young people too. I have a lot to live up to and feel sure I can."

Charlotte also plans to campaign for reduced fares, as well as more youth zones and opportunities for young people to display their talents. Both candidates appreciated receiving so many votes. Charlotte thanked the other candidates and said: "Thanks to all those who voted for me."

The other candidates were Ben Claridge (14), Josh Hutchins (17), Lewis Mallett (16), Steph Newton (15), Joe Parkinson (16) and Michael Tran (14).

Cllr Rob Stanton, executive member for education services, said: "I have been impressed over the years by the real contribution that the MYP and deputy have made, both in the various committees they have been part of and the panels and times their opinions have been sought. They act as spokespeople for young people in many different forums and have always carried out that function very effectively. I am looking forward to working with Sumaiya and Charlotte over the coming year and especially on the Children’s Trust Board."

Nigel Shaw, head of youth service, said: "Sumaiya is the 12th Member of Youth Parliament we have supported. She and Charlotte will have a great year, both growing into their jobs personally and making a difference to services for children and young people. Our previous MYPs and deputies have gone into many different walks of life but they have all valued their time in this role and the opportunities which came their way. We will support them both to help them in their aspirations for their time in office."