Outgoing Member of Youth Parliament Ethan Smith congratulates his successor Iman Samad.
Two teenagers have been elected to represent Sutton at the UK Youth Parliament.
Iman Samad was elected as Member of Youth Parliament and Harry Hamilton was elected as Deputy Member on Friday last week.
Seven candidates and their supporters met at the Quad Youth Centre in Carshalton to hear the results, which followed a ballot held at area schools the previous day with an impressive 54% turnout.
The outgoing Member of Youth Parliament for Sutton, Ethan Smith, and his deputy Daigan Reid gave excellent speeches outlining how much they had enjoyed the experience and offering advice for their soon to be unveiled successors.
Cllr Wendy Mathys, Chair of the Children, Family and Education Committee at Sutton Council, said:
“Congratulations to Iman and Harry – and well done to all the candidates who worked so hard and put such effort into their campaigns. It’s a pleasure to see so many young people becoming involved and engaging with the issues that matter to them.
“Over the last year Ethan and Daigan have shown themselves to be effective and tireless advocates for young people in Sutton. I’m certain that Iman and Harry will continue their excellent work.”
As the evening drew to a close the winning candidate was delighted to share her pride.
Iman Samad, Member of Youth Parliament for Sutton, said:
“I can’t believe I’m now the MYP for Sutton. It’s a great feeling, I’m really proud. Thanks to my family and friends, to everyone who supported me, and to the Sutton Youth service team. Also many thanks to Ethan and Daigan who have done great work.
“I promise to do my best to serve the interests of young people in Sutton.”
The UK Youth Parliament gives young people aged between 11-18 the opportunity to raise awareness of issues which affect them and their peers and to bring about social change through meaningful representation and campaigning.
It was established by Conservative MP for Faversham & Mid-Kent Andrew Rowe with support from the National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children (NSPCC) and first sat in 2004.
UK Youth Parliament sit once a year, usually in July, to debate issues which affect younger people. These events include keynote speeches from influential figures like John Bercow, the Speaker of the House, and Rowan Williams, the Archbishop of Canterbury 2002-2012.
NOTES FOR EDITORS
– More information about the UK Youth Parliament can be found by visiting www.
– Pictures from the election results can be found here: https://www.flickr.com/