Ever wondered what it would be like to have a teenage MP? Well, Peterborough City Council is a few steps ahead of you.
Peterborough City Council are currently gearing up for its next round of youth MPs. Yes, you read that correctly. From Monday, 16th to Friday, 20th March, ballots will be open in schools and colleges. Students will also have the opportunity to submit their votes at the polling station at Peterborough Town Hall on Thursday, 19th March.
Have youths always been able to run for MP in the UK?
In short, no. But on Friday, 12th February, the UK government passed a new piece of legislation. It stated that 16 – 17-year-olds now have the right to vote. A debate which had been ongoing since 2015. Previously, the youngest voting age in the UK was 18.
Who are Peterborough’s current youth MPs?
In 2024, Danielle Daboh and Pranav Aggarwal were officially elected as Peterborough’s youth MPs. Speaking about the opportunity at the time, Aggarwal shared that he was looking forward to ‘making a difference.’
“I want to do important things for young people and help them to the best of my abilities… My main priorities are creating more opportunities for young people and promoting diversity and inclusivity throughout all schools,” he says.
Daboh added:
“My main priorities are tackling racism by promoting culture and diversity. Improving access to education so that young people are fully aware of options available to them and tackling child poverty, so that everyone can have a good start in life.”
Daboh and Aggarwal have served as youth MPs for Peterborough for the past two years.
What does having youth MPs say about the future of politics?
Peterborough is one of the first cities in the UK to implement the youth MP opportunity. Seeing young people, from as early as 11, be allowed to take a stand and make a change is promising. It’s a reassuring element that reminds them that their views are just as relevant and can be just as powerful and impactful.
What can young adults do to stand out in youth elections?
Some of the best ways to stand out can involve being a class captain, volunteering at local community events, or running after-school clubs. Any areas inside and outside of school that show you’re taking initiative in growing leadership skills is going to make you stand out from the crowd.
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