Maidenhead & Windsor

Election fever is set to sweep the Royal Windsor and Maidenhead Borough in the coming weeks as local young people are once again urged to "stand up and be counted" and take part in the next Youth Parliament elections.

With elections for the next MYP (Member of Youth Parliament) scheduled for early next year, young Windsor and Maidenhead people are being urged to rise to the challenge of finding the borough's sixth MYP – and the rallying call will soon be going out to all 11-18-year-olds to choose one of their peers – or nominate themselves – to represent their views in the national parliamentary arena.

First stop on the campaign trail for would-be politicians is an open invitation to two information sessions to be held on Tuesday 25 November at 4 Marlow Road youth and community centre, Maidenhead, from 5 – 7pm, and on Thursday 27 November at The Manor Youth Centre, Windsor, from 6.30 – 8pm, when youth workers will outline the roles and responsibilities of the MYP and answer any questions.

Young people will then have until the closing date of Monday 12 January 2009 to put forward their nominations, after which all nominees will 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 from Monday 2 March to Wednesday 11 March with the winner announced at a special presentation evening on Monday 23 March.

Cllr Eileen Quick, lead member for Windsor and Maidenhead children's services, urged all young people across the borough to get involved in the next elections. She said: "These elections are a wonderful opportunity for the young people of our borough to make sure they have their voices heard at national level – and this is exactly what the role of MYP is all about.

"We have had five very committed young people take on this role – and our current MYPJodie Dingwall is certainly proving herself to be a very dedicated representative for the young of our borough. Now we need to ensure that enough young people come forward to make the next election a really exciting contest – and to find a worthy successor who will continue the spirit of dedication displayed by Jodie and all our previous MYPs.

"So please make sure you attend the information sessions at the end of November and consider putting yourself or a friend forward for this very important role."

For further information about the Windsor and Maidenhead information evenings, the role of the MYP or any other aspects of the election programme, contact Danny Gomm, youth participation officer or Robert Weeks, project support officer, on 01628 685856.

The Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead