Maidenhead & Windsor

Stand up and be counted – and sign up for the Maidenhead election campaign trail. That's the New Year challenge to young people across the borough as the search begins for the Maidenhead borough's third MYP (Member of Youth Parliament).

Election fever looks set to rival New Year resolutions among the local Maidenhead young electorate as the rallying call goes out to all 11 – 18-year-olds to choose one of their peers to represent their views in the national parliamentary arena.

The campaign trail kicks off with an invitation to all budding politicians to attend an information evening at Castle Hill Youth Centre in High Town Road, Maidenhead, on Friday January 6 from 5.30 – 8.30pm.

Youth workers will outline the roles and responsibilities of the Maidenhead MYP, and encourage young people to nominate either themselves or a friend to stand for election. Nominees will then be asked to write their own election manifestos, which will be displayed on posters and leaflets and distributed to schools and youth clubs across the borough.

Voting will take place between January 23 and 29, with the winner announced at a special presentation evening in the Maidenhead Town Hall on Thursday February 2.

The new MYP will follow in the footsteps of predecessors Robert Weeks and Helen Flory to represent the views of the Royal Borough's young people at the National Youth Parliament conferences.

He or she will also work closely with Maidenhead borough youth workers to set up local "satellite" youth forums around the borough to feed ideas and opinions into the borough youth forum to reflect the views of as many young people as possible in future provision of services.

Maidenhead Cllr Richard Fagence, lead member for leisure and cultural services said: "This is a wonderful opportunity for young people in the borough to really have their voices heard where it matters – and on issues which concern them

"I would urge any young person who really wants to make a difference to think about standing for election as our next MYP. I am sure their two predecessors could testify that the role is hugely rewarding – and great fun as well. So come on everyone – let's make this election a huge success with a really enthusiastic field of runners."

For further information about the information evening and the role of the Maidenhead MYP, contact Danny Gomm, youth participation co-ordinator on 01628 510289.

The Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead ~ 23-Dec-2005