How to cast your vote for Portsmouth's youth parliament member
VOTING to grant one young person from Portsmouth a ‘fantastic opportunity’ to represent their city in parliament has opened.
Members of the public are being encouraged to have their say in who the city’s next youth parliament member will be.
As part of the UK Youth Parliament, the successful candidate will meet with their peers from around the country in Westminster twice a year.
They will also liaise with local MPs and councillors on a regular basis.
So far seven candidates for Portsmouth remain - after being whittled down from 52 hopefuls.
Councillor Suzy Horton, Portsmouth City Council's education boss, said: ‘Since launching the search for the city's next member of youth parliament, we have had the difficult job of shortlisting so many worthy candidates.
‘It's a fantastic opportunity for those interested in politics to work alongside councillors and influence decisions at Portsmouth City Council.’
Candidates are aged between 11 and 18, and anyone in the same age range who lives, works or studies in Portsmouth can cast their vote online from today (March 8).
The campaign to find the city's next member of youth parliament has cross-party backing across the council, as well as the support from local MPs.
Penny Mordaunt, MP for Portsmouth North, said: ‘I'm pleased to see so many young people get involved with politics locally. As we move forward out of the pandemic, the member of youth parliament will help shape our recovery as a city’.
Portsmouth South MP, Stephen Morgan, agreed. ‘We've had such an amazing response in our search to find the city's next member of youth parliament,’ he said.
‘This is a unique chance for someone to step up and make an impact in their community.’
The UK Youth Parliament meets twice a year; at the UK Youth Parliament annual sitting and UK Youth Parliament House of Commons sitting.
Voting closes Wednesday, March 17 and the results will be announced two days later.
Each candidate has recorded a video stating why they believe they are the best choice for the UK Youth Parliament.
To meet the candidates and make your choice, visit portsmoutheducationpartnership.co.uk/myp/.