Devon young people elected to UK Youth Parliament
Twelve young people from Devon have been elected to represent the county on the national UK Youth Parliament 2013 to 2015, following recent elections.
Aged between 11 and 18, the young people were elected out of 18 young people in total from Devon, standing in the national elections.
More than 7,000 young people turned out to vote in over 50 polling stations across Devon; in schools, youth centres and youth clubs, to elect Members of the Youth Parliament and their Deputies.
They will now work locally in their Devon constituencies, with their peers, to champion important issues for young people. They’ll also work with County Councillors and MPs to get their voices heard locally and nationally.
Members of the Youth Parliament representing Exeter are: Connor, aged 14; Francis, aged 15, and Keiran, aged 16; all three from Exeter.
Representing North Devon, West Devon and Torridge: 18 year olds Mel and Karenza, from Barnstaple; Louis, aged 16 from Bideford; and Ryan, aged 14 from Okehampton.
Representing South Hams and Teignbridge: Olivia, aged 15 from Dawlish; 15 year old Karen from Buckfastleigh; and 15 year old Beth from Newton Abbot.
Representing Mid Devon and East Devon County Council: George, aged 15 from Exmouth and 16 year old Hebe from Branscombe.
Newly elected Member Olivia Welsh from Dawlish said,
"I'm extremely proud of the honour and responsibility that has been given to me by my peers, but I'm well aware the challenge now begins and I look forward to representing the young people of my constituency in as many forums as possible.
"I would like to say a big "thank you" to everyone at Devon Youth Service who have helped me in my campaign.”
Olivia has been a Senior Helper and volunteer at Devon County Council's Redrock Youth Centre in Dawlish for two years, which has given her good grounding in understanding young people’s issues.
Councillor Andrea Davis, Devon County Council’s Cabinet Member responsible for Devon’s Youth Parliament, said:
“Congratulations to all the successful candidates. The outstanding quality of candidates standing for election this year just goes to show how passionate many young people are about improving the communities that they, their families and friends live in.
“I am sure that these young people, just as those outgoing members of the UK Youth Parliament have done before them, will represent their constituencies well over the next two years, focusing on younger people’s issues.”
