Release Date: 11/01/2008
Eighteen youngsters from across the borough will be contesting the 2008 local Youth Parliament Elections next week (starting 21st January) with the results being broadcast live online on 12 February.
Over the next four weeks youngsters from Waldegrave, Shene, Orleans Park, Teddington, Whitton and Grey Court secondary schools and Richmond upon Thames College will be campaigning to encourage their peers to vote. The candidates have also recorded a video saying why they are seeking election.
Voting in schools and youth clubs will end on 8 February and the winner will be announced during a live webcast on 12 February at 6pm.
The online broadcast is courtesy of The London Grid for Learning.
Council Leader, Cllr Serge Lourie, said:
“The Youth Parliament is a great opportunity to give a national voice to the young people of our borough. This year the candidates are working very hard, designing posters and holding assemblies in their schools.
“The role of our Youth MP is much wider than attending the Youth Parliament. Richmond Youth Service will be helping them establish lines of regular communication with the Youth Forum, councillors and officers in local government. The lucky young politician will also liaise with support groups and school councils, to make sure that they are well informed and involved in local initiatives and that the youth voice is shaping key decisions that affect them and the wider community.
“I would like to wish all the candidates good luck and urge all young people around the borough to watch the results online.”
To see the election result live go to www.schoolcouncil.richmond.lgfl.net or contact Ellie Ridgeway on 020 8487 5159 for more information.