Next generation students stand for election to UK Youth Parliament

Two Year 11 students won a passionate debate to be elected as Wokingham Borough’s next Members of UK Youth Parliament (MYP).

Jasmine Dix of The Holt School in Wokingham and Laima Dhimitri of Maiden Erlegh School in Earley were picked by their peers to become our MYPs for the next two years. They begin their terms in April.

The hustings and vote were held in a busy borough Council Chamber in Shute End, Wokingham on Monday 19 January.

Immediately after returning officer Andrew Moulton had announced the result to the room, Jasmine (pictured below left) told everyone gathered: “I’m really excited to take on this role and to make a difference.”

Laima (below right) added: “Hopefully, we can create a better future for young people.” 

Candidates on the clock during searching debate

Five other candidates vied for students’ votes after successfully earning the right to represent their school. They were: William Hudson (The Bulmershe School), Kyan Ko (Emmbrook), Archie Mason (The Forest), Sammy Pearson (Piggott) and Salma Arafat (St Crispin’s). 

To begin with, candidates each had a strictly monitored 90 seconds to give an opening speech to the chamber about the issues which mattered to them. 

In a platform which echoed others, Jasmine eloquently argued for more affordable public transport, better support for people with mental health problems, and more equality and opportunity for young people.

Laima intelligently called for more focus on life skills in schools, making sustainability initiatives more accessible, and increased funding for youth initiatives. 

Time is now for the next generation

The other candidates too shone during an impassioned, enthralling and at times breathless debate. All views and arguments were entirely respected.

Bulmershe candidate William (pictured speaking below) articulated a key feeling in the room when he said: “We’re not adults in waiting. We’re active members of society now.”

Last July, it was announced that 16- and 17-year-olds will be able to vote in the UK’s next general election, which must be held by 2029. Indeed, you can register to vote now if you’re 16 or over.

Of course, politicians will have to and will be keen to appeal to that younger electorate.

Enabling young people to succeed in life 

During her opening statement, Jasmine told the audience: “Change starts when young voices are heard and taken seriously. I aim to ensure young people are treated fairly, represented meaningfully and given the tools they need to succeed.”

During her opening statement, showcasing her manifesto, Jasmine told the audience: “Change starts when young voices are heard and taken seriously. I aim to ensure young people are treated fairly, represented meaningfully and given the tools they need to succeed.”

Laima said: “In order to be the faces of the future, we first have to be optimistic about the future. That only comes from achievable goals. It’s my goal to turn voices into tangible results.” 

Jasmine and Laima will be busy and are expected to dedicate between one to five hours every week to their MYP duties. They have a dual focus, closer to home as the new chairs of Wokingham’s own Youth Council, which meets each month.

Time spent in politics is 'priceless'

Current Wokingham Borough Mayor, Cllr Carol Jewell was in attendance for the MYP hustings and vote. 

Speaking before candidates’ opening statements, she told the chamber: “I’ve been involved in local politics for more than 55 years. After I began, I quickly realised that as a councillor I could help people and try to solve local problems.

“I don’t regret all the time I’ve given up over that time: I’ve represented my community. And that’s priceless.”