UK Youth Parliament

Please tell us about one local issue you think is important to young people in North Northamptonshire.

Children are not considered when it comes to problems in their local areas. Issues they see are not listened to or action is not taken. Children are being socially excluded because the communities do not offer any activities.

If elected how will you aim to tackle the above local issue?

I would start by asking about problems they see in their communities and how they think we can handle things they feel unsafe around and try and put better safety measures in place. To try and start community activities to bring the youth together whilst being safe.

Please tell us about one National issue you think is important to young people.

Young people’s mental health not being fully acknowledged. Many young adults especially suffering in silence and their safety against things like e-bikes, e-scooters.

Please tell us about one Global issue you think is important to young people.

Inequality in activities and education like sports in schools and how they are taught, uniforms like how short they are according to gender, leadership roles and who gets them, subjects and who are encouraged to join them.

If elected how will you aim to tackle the above Global issue?

Encourage communities and schools to donate to women empowerment charities, find ways to introduce girls and women into 'male dominated' things like sport and school subjects. Pursue getting certain uniforms changed into something appropriate. Find companies, charities and clubs to explain leadership roles to people of the type.

What knowledge and experiences do you have, that will help you fulfil your role as a Member of Youth Parliament?

I have the following experience - year 8 career lead, gymnast, I’ve contacted local MPs, and I was an Eco-Ambassador. I believe this will help me in the Member of Youth Parliament role because it’s given me leadership, communication and group skills, learning how to talk to people and then take action.

What will you bring to the role?

I’m a confident person but I also know when to listen so I’ll use that to take action for my community. I’m a fast thinker so I think of problems and their resolutions. I help young people be included in their communities and feel safe.

What do you hope to achieve in the role if you are elected?

1. to help young people be included in their communities and feel safe.
2. to have young people’s mental health concerns more listened to and asked about.
3. better safety measures for children and electronic vehicles.
4. have young women feel more comfortable and included in everything.

Please summarise why young people should vote for you.

Young people should vote for me because I see first hand how undermined children and young girls are treated. Young people often see and feel things but they aren’t encouraged to tell people or make a difference I believe that by listening to the youth certain problems will stop.

Please tell us about one local issue you think is important to young people in North Northamptonshire.

I believe that a prominent issue facing young people in North Northamptonshire is a lack of aspiration and access to post-16 and career opportunities. In areas like North Northamptonshire, it is evident that there are relatively low rates of progression to university and higher-level apprenticeships. I believe that this could be due to the fact that many young people aren't aware of the full range of pathways such as universities, apprenticeships and careers that are open to them as well as a lack of role models and guidance.

We are often quick to assume that their abilities are the sole factor that limits them from these opportunities, however, a lot of the time, it's their own confidence limiting them. Whether this be socioeconomic or cultural, young people are often susceptible to allowing their backgrounds to define their capabilities.

If elected how will you aim to tackle the above local issue?

To tackle this, I will aim to set up a 'Navigate your future' program in which workshops will take place in schools across Northamptonshire - catering to both lower school (years 7-9) and upper (years 10+). All secondary school years should be included because exposure from younger ages will prove effective - as some may figure out their chosen path and will be able to work towards for the rest of their school life rather than hearing about it when it would be then harder to enter.

This program is actually inspired by one of the school’s ethos: 'Navigate your future' and acts as the execution of that statement. For this program I would like to focus on building confidence and exposure to the opportunities that young people could benefit from.

In doing this, I also aim to combat stereotypes and stigmas attributed to individuals of certain socioeconomic and cultural backgrounds by having some of the speakers in the workshops be of a range of different ethnicities, backgrounds and non-traditional routes to certain careers to show to students that they are not limited by their backgrounds and to encourage inclusion. Alongside this, students could perhaps be paired with mentors - sixth form students, university students or young professionals who could help provide extra guidance for their career path. This could be an online career hub where students and mentors could network, sharing thoughts, events and accessible opportunities to help one another on their journey and build confidence in themselves.

Please tell us about one National issue you think is important to young people.

One national issue that I believe is important to young people is today's difficulty to get a job. I am aware of countless young people of around the ages of 16 and 17 years old, struggling to acquire part time jobs. Most of these people claim that the reasons for this (if they are even provided with any) are the fact that they are lacking in experience. However, this makes gaining experience in the first place even more difficult because in order to gain experience, there needs to be more organisations and companies willing to provide young people with placements - even if they are unpaid - just to provide young people with basic transferable skills and knowledge to have better chances at employment.

Please tell us about one Global issue you think is important to young people.

One global issue I think is very important to young people is the increasing dependency on social media and AI to shape young people's minds and views. I believe that as more and more youth are beginning to gain exposure to social media platforms such as TikTok and Instagram at ages where they are less emotionally mature, their young minds are more susceptible to be easily moulded and shaped by just 1 video they could see.

This started off as a distant concern but is now becoming issue as young people are beginning to repeat the potentially emotionally abusive, misogynistic or hate speech they are seeing being voiced out on their feeds by unfiltered and miseducated creators. Linking with my passion for helping young people navigate their futures, I believe that social media is also one of the biggest contributors to young people believing certain stereotypes and stigma about themselves - that perhaps that they could not take up certain careers or opportunities, solely due to their background.

If elected how will you aim to tackle the above Global issue?

If I was elected, I would tackle this issue by ensuring that social media usage is moderated by parents of the young people to ensure that they are not consuming unnecessarily large amounts of social media - which, no doubt, the majority of is of little use to them. I would carry this out through the school system as it's easier to reach all of the parents that way and from experience, the vast majority of parents weigh advice from the school highly. I would also aim to set in place regular sessions from as young as a year six as I'm aware that the students in primary schools who are exposed to large amounts of social media even if it is not necessarily recommended. I believe that speaking to them directly about the dangers of social media would give them an insight into the reality of things - it would also allow them to reflect on it themselves rather than the fact that their parents had told them and they have to listen without necessarily understanding why.

I would make these sessions engaging, including quizzes of what is real and what is fake showing fake examples of social media posts and helping to provide them with the ability to decipher between real news and fake news, teaching them not to believe everything that they see on social media.

What knowledge and experiences do you have, that will help you fulfil your role as a Member of Youth Parliament?

Previously, I have a substantial amount of experience in advocating for a cause - I developed this in my participation in Young Citizens' Bar Mock Trial for 2 consecutive years. For my first time, I was placed in the role of court Clerk and in the second, I was a defence barrister, where my team (or rather cast) and I worked together, in our roles, consistently to build a bulletproof case to present at the competition. We were able to win 2 out of 3 of our trials. Not only did this build my confidence but it also built up my critical thinking ability.

I have also participated in the Kalisher Trust's sixth form public speaking competition, winning 1st place with my speech titled 'A Letter To Tomorrow' in which I also discussed my passion for young people taking control of their futures - much of which I have mentioned that I would like to place emphasis on, should I be elected. 

More closely related to youth parliament, I am also part of my school's student parliament, bringing forward student concerns, requests and feedback to the head teacher and heads of year as well as other members of student parliament in a discussion. Being in student parliament reminds of the importance of democracy within school and ensuring that everyone feels heard and seen.

Independent of the school's coordinating, I have also started my own group/club called the 'XXXX School Medical Society' which is a group of people from years 10-sixth form who are interested in entering medicine, dentistry and healthcare careers - again linking with my desire to help others navigate their futures. In this society we have debates on controversial medical scenarios and medical ethics as well as share opportunities.

What will you bring to the role?

From what I have learned in my previously mentioned experiences and who I have always been, I believe I will bring a positive outlook to issues that others may see as detrimental or define as 'out of their control'. I will ensure that every voice that comes to me is heard and considered, rather than dismissed or regarded as a non-issue regardless of how insignificant it may seem. I will persevere in getting the results and outcomes I want to achieve and if I don't, I will find another way. And I will do this all while staying true to my values, character and integrity - I do not believe in climbing over others to reach a height. I believe these qualities make me an exemplary candidate.

What do you hope to achieve in the role if you are elected?

If I am elected, I will aim to:

1. Create a "Navigate your future" program to bring clarity and exposure to young people on the wide range of opportunities and options that are accessible to them post-16 and for higher education (post 18).
2. I will also aim to create an online platform / program where employers, both large and smaller scale, and young students can network to arrange work placements, solely for the purpose of gaining work experience. These will all be unpaid to level out the playing field and who have not yet had experience in employment would be prioritised.
3. For my third objective, I will aim to encourage parents through the aid of schools to moderate their child's usage of social media in order to minimise exposure to harmful content. As part of this moderation of social media I also aim to educate the children themselves ranging from ages as young as year six to make them aware of the dangers of social media and to teach them to become aware of the unreliability of what we see online. I will do this in a way that will engage them by doing interactive activities such as quizzes and teamwork tasks.

Please summarise why young people should vote for you.

Overall, I believe that young people should vote for me because I am an outgoing on confident individual who believes that I can make a truly positive impact on the lives of young people today. I have touched on some of the main issues facing young people and I want nothing more but to help them evolve and flourish in today's society without ever having to worry about their cultural background or the finances they come from. This 'help' does not only include their career choice but also their well-being and mental health and with my previously proposed objectives, I am confident that I can make and outstanding change. 

Please tell us about one local issue you think is important to young people in North Northamptonshire.

One local issue is that young people don’t feel safe in their surroundings, they feel like they cannot go out because they do not want to get judged or be unsafe.

If elected how will you aim to tackle the above local issue?

I will aim to have more parks made for the appropriate age groups and more lighting to be made.

Please tell us about one National issue you think is important to young people.

One issue is that young people are not able to go to clubs or sessions since their parents simply cannot pay for the high costs.

Please tell us about one Global issue you think is important to young people.

One global issue is mental health for young people and lack of support.

If elected how will you aim to tackle the above Global issue?

I aim for the government to increase funding for mental health support.

What knowledge and experiences do you have, that will help you fulfil your role as a Member of Youth Parliament?

I have experience in working with the local youth planning team, I believe this will help me in the MYP role.

What will you bring to the role?

I will bring the skill of being open minded and listening to other people's opinions.

What do you hope to achieve in the role if you are elected?

1. I aim to try and set up more local planning teams.
2. Aim to set up more youth and safe spaces for young people.
3. Contact national and local companies to enquire if funding is available.

Please summarise why young people should vote for you.

People should vote for me because I will aim to improve the lives and opportunities of young people

Please tell us about one local issue you think is important to young people in North Northamptonshire.

An issue that young people are currently facing is the lack of third spaces for teenagers to socialise.

If elected how will you aim to tackle the above local issue?

If elected, I will aim to tackle this local issue by advocating for more low-cost shops and experiences to be opened around North Northamptonshire.

Please tell us about one National issue you think is important to young people.

A national issue that is often seen as only affecting adults is the cost of living crisis, when in reality it negatively impacts young people not just in our county, but across the country.

Please tell us about one Global issue you think is important to young people.

One global issue that worries young people such as myself is the lack of women’s rights in certain countries.

If elected how will you aim to tackle the above Global issue?

If elected, I will campaign for the government to speak to the leaders of the countries that are not allowing women the right that they deserve. I will encourage people to speak out about the lack of women’s education and equalities in these countries, and I will also advocate for awareness to be raised of the issue.

What knowledge and experiences do you have, that will help you fulfil your role as a Member of Youth Parliament?

A few of my experiences that are relevant to the role include; being a previous form representative, being selected to perform a speech to my year group competitively, taking public speaking classes, being published in multiple competition winner books, and many roles of responsibility such as Cadets and Girlguiding volunteering.

What will you bring to the role?

Due to my experiences previously stated, I have been fortunate enough to learn valuable lessons and insights that I would not have learnt elsewhere, and to develop skills such as leadership, teamwork, responsibility and confidence.

What do you hope to achieve in the role if you are elected?

If you decide to elect me as your MYP, the first goal that I would dedicate myself to achieving would be creating more third spaces in North Northamptonshire for teenagers to socialise, as we are seeing a rapid decrease in these places that are so essential for our mental health and wellbeing.

Secondly, I would battle youth unemployment rates to try to open up more job opportunities for the youth of our county.

And lastly, I would work towards organising more community events aimed at specific themes such as seasonal, careers-based, and military themes. I believe that when completed, these goals will bring us closer as a community.

Please summarise why young people should vote for you.

Overall, if you decide to elect me to represent you as your MYP, I am certain that I will work my absolute hardest to make every single young person in North Northamptonshire proud. With my experience and love for our home county and your incredible ideas, I am sure that we can all work together to empower the youth of our constituency's and let our voices be heard. Let's do this together to create a better Northamptonshire, and eventually, a better world.

Please tell us about one local issue you think is important to young people in North Northamptonshire.

One local issue I strongly believe is affecting young people in North Northamptonshire is the growing issue of phone use and social media replacing real life interaction, largely due to a lack of spaces for young people.

More young people are becoming increasingly isolated because they'd prefer to be in the digital world than in the physical one. After COVID-19, many young people found it harder to reconnect and interact as a community and instead found solace in their devices.

Young people aren’t choosing phones over real life for no reason. It’s because there aren’t enough places young people want to go to. The main reason for this issue is the lack of secondary spaces young people have to meet with each other and interact. Many spaces like youth groups, sports clubs and leisure centres don’t always feel accessible or appealing to young people, which can leave them feeling like there’s nothing to do locally. This means devices and social media seem more attractive to them. If this goes on, we might lose the community togetherness that makes North Northamptonshire special.

If elected how will you aim to tackle the above local issue?

If elected, I will actively work with youth groups to form things like teen clubs, with activities and events that young people around the county want to go to. I will work alongside local authorities to identify gaps in youth spaces across the county and push for spaces that will make teenagers want to go outside and interact with each other.

I will push for more community friendly events suitable for all ages in parks and other areas to ensure year-round fun and activities. Most importantly, I will speak to you young people through surveys and conversations to make sure the solutions reflect what you actually need. Places that young people actually want to go to, not just what adults think we need.

Please tell us about one National issue you think is important to young people.

One national issue I think is important to young people is the lack of political education in schools around the country. There has been an ongoing debate as to whether 16 year olds should be able to vote or not, but no matter the outcome, one thing is clear, young people should be properly informed about the politics of their country.

Right now, many young people do not feel confident or comfortable speaking about politics, political parties or even how decisions are made in this country to their peers. If you asked around, a lot of young people barely know anything about how this country is run and that lack of information is worrying. It becomes even more worrying especially because of the rise of extremist views and content on social media. Without proper education in a neutral environment such as in schools, young people will become increasingly vulnerable to radicalisation, misinformation and being influenced by these beliefs.

We deserve the chance to form our own opinions based on information we are given, not based on the latest trend. Civic education should not be a choice and by voting for me, I will strongly advocate for it not to be.

Please tell us about one Global issue you think is important to young people.

One global issue I believe is important to young people is the current environmental crisis we face. With the global carbon emissions rising and the world's average temperature increasing by about 1.4°C, many young people are left questioning whether we are inheriting a habitable world. We might think that climate change is a worry for the future, but we are the future and so it is a worry for today. Climate change is happening now. Ecosystems are being damaged, sea levels are rising and wildlife is disappearing. Many young people are worried that our future will be one where the future generations will only know of coral reefs and white rhinos through history books.

Many young people feel frustrated and powerless as we watch world leaders who fail to act with urgency and instead place importance on trivial endeavours and not the climate crisis happening before our very eyes. The truth is, it feels like our future is being decided for us not by us. But it is still our future, one that we deserve to have a voice in.

If elected how will you aim to tackle the above Global issue?

If elected as an MYP, I know that there's not much I can do to tackle the climate crisis on my own. Voting for me as MYP doesn't magically make the climate crisis go away, but I will be part of that change.

As MYP I will raise awareness, promote education and encourage young people to take action in realistic and achievable ways. Whether that's by making small lifestyle changes like taking the bus every now and then or giving up meat certain days a week, even our small sacrifices make a difference.

Additionally, in North Northamptonshire I will work with local authorities to organise town clean ups and other efforts where young people can come, participate and help out every way they can.

As MYP I want to make young people feel empowered, not helpless. With all our voices together, all our small actions will turn into real change.

What knowledge and experiences do you have, that will help you fulfil your role as a Member of Youth Parliament?

I was a member of the North Northamptonshire Youth Advisory Council from December 2024 to December 2025. During that time, I was able to work with many young people in a space where we could discuss our ideas and were listened to.

While on this council, we organised the youth summit which was attended by schools across the county and students in attendance spoke directly to the decision makers and MP's who could make a change.

This experience means I understand how to be an effective member of a council. It has given me confidence when sharing my ideas, strengthened my teamwork skills and has shown me that with the right people, young people can make an impact.

I have also been a part of my school's parliament where I contributed to real changes that improved student life. Alongside this, I have been on the speech and debate team at my school for 3 years which has developed my ability to communicate ideas clearly, confidently and effectively. In this club I have also coached many younger people in speech and debate and have offered emotional support and advice that has helped them improve their skills. This has given me experience mentoring others and listening to the concerns of young people, which I will bring to this role.

What will you bring to the role?

I am ambitious, driven and committed to making change happen and so I give you all my word that when I start something, I will see it through. This makes me the ideal candidate because with me as an MYP, you will see change.

I am a confident communicator who can speak up in group discussions, which is necessary for this role. But I also know how to listen and take into consideration the feedback and ideas of others. This makes me an ideal candidate because I will listen to you and understand you young people.

I care deeply about the issues affecting young people because I'm a young person myself that sees how these disparities affect our county. But more importantly, I see potential for something better. And I want to be part of what makes that vision a reality.

What do you hope to achieve in the role if you are elected?

If elected, I would aim to:

1. Push to make mental health services readily accessible for all young people.
2. Advocate for more secondary, safe spaces where young people can connect with each other and feel supported.
3. Encourage youth involvement in the climate action and promote it through incentives and awards.
4. Collaborate with schools to improve political and civic education.
5. Get to know all you young people and figure out what it is you really want and then try my best to make those changes. These goals matter because they help create a community where young people feel heard, accepted and taken seriously.

Please summarise why young people should vote for you.

Vote for me because I care, I want to see change and I will act on it. I won't be a passive MYP, I will speak up and push for change. Vote for me and your voices will be heard where it matters. These changes I have outlined have practical solutions that can be executed quickly but make a real difference in the community. If you vote for me, I will push for these.

I am here to represent all young people of North Northamptonshire, to represent you.

Thank you for reading my manifesto. Let me be your voice.

Please tell us about one local issue you think is important to young people in North Northamptonshire.

Young people in North Northamptonshire consistently feel unheard in decisions that directly affect our lives - from transport and safety to education, youth services, and community spaces. Too often, we are “consulted” after decisions have already been made, or our views are treated as symbolic rather than meaningful. This creates frustration, disconnect, and a sense that local politics is something done to us, not with us.

When young people don’t have a real seat at the table, the result is policies that don’t reflect our experiences. For example, youth centres close without proper consultation, activities are planned without asking what we actually want, and decisions about neighbourhoods rarely include the voices of those who use them every day. This lack of structured youth influence means our priorities are easy to overlook.

A stronger youth voice isn’t just about fairness - it’s about better decision-making. Young people understand the challenges in our communities because we live them daily. We know which areas feel unsafe, which services are missing, and what opportunities we need to thrive. Giving us real influence would lead to smarter, more effective local policies. This issue matters because it affects everything else: safety, wellbeing, opportunities, and community pride. If young people are not taken seriously, nothing else changes.

That’s why building proper structures for youth voice is one of the most important issues facing young people in North Northamptonshire today.

If elected how will you aim to tackle the above local issue?

1. Create a Youth Voice Charter

I will bring together schools, councils, and local services to sign a formal agreement promising to consult young people before major decisions are made. This would set clear expectations and hold organisations accountable for listening to us. I will work with school councils, youth groups, and local councillors to draft the charter and push for its adoption.

2. Establish Youth Parliament Question Time

I will organise public forums where young people can directly question local leaders - councillors, service providers, and community decision makers. These sessions will be held quarterly, hosted in schools and community centres, and livestreamed for transparency. This gives young people a direct line to those in power.

3. Build a Wellingborough Youth Assembly

I will create a representative body with members from every school and youth organisation. This assembly will meet monthly to set youth priorities, discuss local issues, and present recommendations to the council. It ensures that youth voice is diverse, organised, and impossible to overlook.

4. Turn youth feedback into real action

I will collect views through surveys, listening events, and school visits - and present them directly to decisionmakers with clear proposals. My goal is to make youth voice a normal part of how North Northamptonshire makes decisions.

By creating these structures, I will help build a political culture where young people are not just heard - we are taken seriously.

Please tell us about one National issue you think is important to young people.

Across the UK, cuts to youth services have left millions of young people without safe spaces, support, or opportunities. Youth centres have closed, afterschool activities have been reduced, and many communities - especially those already facing disadvantage - have been left with almost nothing for young people to do outside school hours. This issue affects every part of young people’s lives.

Without youth centres, mentoring, sports clubs, creative programmes, and wellbeing support, young people lose places to belong, grow, and stay safe. It increases isolation, reduces opportunities, and leaves many feeling disconnected from their communities. For some, youth services are the only place they feel supported or understood. The impact is national, but the consequences are deeply personal: fewer chances to develop skills, fewer positive role models, and fewer safe environments. Young people deserve long-term investment, not temporary projects that disappear after a year. Cuts to youth services also widen inequality - young people in wealthier areas often still have access to opportunities, while those in low-income areas are left behind.

This is one of the most important national issues because it shapes our futures. When youth services are strong, young people thrive. When they are cut, young people pay the price. Rebuilding youth provision across the UK is essential for fairness, safety, wellbeing, and ambition.

Please tell us about one Global issue you think is important to young people.

Young people around the world face many of the same challenges - inequality, climate change, education barriers, and lack of representation - yet we rarely have opportunities to collaborate across borders. The lack of international youth collaboration means young people miss out on shared learning, cultural understanding, and global problem-solving.

In a connected world, young people should be able to work together, share ideas, and build solutions that go beyond national boundaries. When we don’t collaborate, stereotypes grow, misinformation spreads, and young people feel disconnected from global issues that directly affect our futures. This issue matters because global challenges require global voices. Young people bring creativity, energy, and new perspectives - but without platforms to connect internationally, our potential is limited. Whether it’s climate action, education, or equality, young people should be part of the global conversation, not watching from the sidelines.

If elected how will you aim to tackle the above Global issue?

If elected, I will work to make international youth collaboration a bigger part of our local and national youth voice work.

1. Promote international youth partnerships

I will encourage schools and youth groups in North Northamptonshire to build links with youth organisations in other countries. This could include joint projects, cultural exchanges, online discussions, and shared campaigns.

2. Use the UK Youth Parliament platform to push for global youth engagement

I will advocate for more opportunities for UKYP members to collaborate with young people internationally - through conferences, digital forums, and global youth networks. Young people should have a voice in global issues, not just national ones.

3. Share global perspectives locally

I will bring international ideas back to North Northamptonshire, showing how other countries support young people and how we can learn from them. This helps broaden horizons and inspires new solutions.

4. Challenge stereotypes and promote positive stories

By sharing achievements and experiences from young people around the world, I will help build understanding and reduce misinformation. Young people everywhere deserve to be seen for their strengths, not stereotypes.

My goal is to help young people in our area feel connected to the wider world - and to ensure our voices contribute to global conversations about the future.

What knowledge and experiences do you have, that will help you fulfil your role as a Member of Youth Parliament?

I have real, hands-on experience working with both the public and local decisionmakers, which has shaped my understanding of what young people need and how to represent them effectively.

Through my Year 12 work experience at an Estate Agents, I developed strong communication and customer service skills by speaking directly with clients, understanding their needs, and helping solve their problems. This taught me how to listen carefully, stay professional, and communicate clearly - all essential skills for representing young people and engaging with councillors, schools, and community leaders.

I also gained experience working with a Town Council during my Year 10 in school work experience project focused on improving a local pavilion and gardens. I worked as part of a team to research issues, develop ideas, and present our proposals directly to council members, including meeting the Mayor. This gave me insight into how local decisions are made and how young people can influence them when given the chance.

Alongside this, I have spent years engaging with youth voice structures in school and in the community. I understand the challenges young people face - from lack of safe spaces to limited opportunities - because I’ve seen them firsthand and spoken to many young people about their experiences.

These experiences have taught me how to communicate confidently, work collaboratively, think critically, and turn ideas into action. They have also shown me that young people deserve a stronger voice in local and national decisions - and that I have the skills and determination to help deliver that.

What will you bring to the role?

I bring a combination of strong communication skills, leadership qualities, and a genuine commitment to improving life for young people in North Northamptonshire. From my work at the estate agents, I bring professionalism, confidence, and the ability to understand people’s needs through direct conversation. I learned how to stay calm under pressure, handle responsibility, and communicate with a wide range of people - skills that translate directly into representing young people and speaking to decision makers.

From my Town Council project, I bring experience in teamwork, presenting ideas, and working with local authorities. I know how to gather evidence, listen to different viewpoints, and turn feedback into practical proposals.

I also bring qualities that matter in youth leadership:

• Confidence and public speaking
• Active listening and empathy
• Organisation and reliability
• Creativity and problem-solving
• A strong sense of fairness and representation

Most importantly, I bring determination. I don’t just want to talk about change - I want to build structures that make youth voice stronger, more respected, and impossible to ignore.

What do you hope to achieve in the role if you are elected?

If elected, I want to deliver real, long-lasting change that improves opportunities, representation, and support for young people across North Northamptonshire.

Objective 1: Strengthen youth voice in local decisions

I will push for a Youth Voice Charter, a Youth Parliament Question Time, and a Town Based Youth Assembly so young people have real influence, not token consultation. This will help ensure decisions reflect our experiences and priorities.

Objective 2: Protect and expand youth services

Cuts to youth services affect young people nationwide. I will campaign for long-term funding for youth centres, more evening and weekend activities, and better access to creative, sports, and wellbeing programmes. Every young person deserves somewhere safe and positive to go.

Objective 3: Increase opportunities, ambition, and support

I will work with schools, youth groups, and local businesses to expand mentoring, career pathways, leadership workshops, and volunteering opportunities. Young people should be able to dream big - and actually achieve it.

These aims will have a positive impact because they address the root issues young people face, lack of voice, lack of safe spaces, and lack of opportunities. By building stronger structures, better support, and more collaboration, we can create a fairer, more ambitious, and more connected North Northamptonshire for every young person.

Please summarise why young people should vote for you.

Young people should vote for me because I am committed to building a fairer, louder, and more ambitious future for all of us. My manifesto is based on real experiences - working with the public at the Estate Agents, collaborating with the Town Council, and seeing firsthand how young people are often overlooked in decisions that affect our lives.

I am standing because I believe young people deserve more than to be “consulted” - we deserve influence. I will fight for stronger youth voice structures, better youth services, more opportunities, and a community that celebrates its young people instead of stereotyping them. I bring professionalism, communication skills, leadership experience, and a genuine passion for making change.

I will listen to every young person, represent every school and neighbourhood, and work with councils, organisations, and national platforms to make sure our voices are taken seriously.

If you want someone who will work hard, speak up, and deliver real change - vote for me.

Please tell us about one local issue you think is important to young people in North Northamptonshire.

On our local high streets, long time constituents of North Northamptonshire such as myself have experienced the gradual but rapidly increasing eroding of our once bustling high street shops. Shops and businesses that supported constituents, children and gave a creative outlet to those growing and developing. With the new rises in rent prices of these buildings within North Northamptonshire, this has forced local constituents and even local MPs out of the comfort of their own constituencies to find affordable pricing to balance their business, and their own livelihoods.

By driving business out of the familiarity of local spaces, this forces constituents to reach greater distances for something as simple as a coffee or child support. What might seem like a subtle issue has substantially affected the quality of young people in North Northamptonshire. With record rates of anti-social behaviour and young offender drug rates, the depravity of the lack of local opportunities for a safe environment for young people to prosper is evident.

If elected how will you aim to tackle the above local issue?

I aim to bring back economic prosperity back to North Northamptonshire high streets, and a safe space for young people to grow equally as prosperous within safe high streets. I do not aim to tackle this issue single handedly. A subtle but a spreading issue like this is only able to be tackled by the help and initiative of local people. A collective, such as the local councils of Corby, Kettering, East Northamptonshire and Wellingborough promoting local businesses through hosting events targeting the town centre areas.

Alongside this, focusing on bringing down the rents of abandon and run down shops on high streets to prevent short term - pop up businesses and prevent a growing number of ‘Vape-shops’, countless barbers shops and pubs that have prospered in the current cost of living crisis. This would encourage constituents and young people to bring back an economic market to deprived counties; to further reinstate, this would tackle a growing number of anti-social behaviour and the abandoned feeling walking down empty high streets.

Please tell us about one National issue you think is important to young people.

A national issue that is hindering the dreams of young people’s futures is the seemingly uncapped university tuition fees and overall expenses. A future of academics that was promised to generations of young people is now being renounced and given up on, due to the almost incomprehensible tuition fees and cost of overall living demands.

Balancing the stress of university life, and the fear of not being able to afford the prices for accommodation should not be a sacrifice young people have to make. Between housing or leaving their university, which is the difficult decision many low income students have had to make - especially those who have had to travel long distances for university. Within sixth form, I have experienced a plethora of talented academics give up a trajectory of their life due to the lack of support surrounding university fees.

A once capped and secure system, now having an uncontrollable interest rate. This once secure pathway for ambitious students is now seen as a futile and broken system. Going to university with several thousand pounds in student loans that continues to timorously grow even long after university. A national shift of the attitudes between young people and university has happened our security does not need to be jeopardised.

Please tell us about one Global issue you think is important to young people.

Employment rates for young people are plummeting. And so are the rates of young people who look forward to their future. The past generations dream of house ownership and a respectable career is now replaced with despaired prayers of having to work 2 jobs instead of 3 to be able to support themselves and their flat. Presenting a global recession of young people's dreams.

This is not an issue that is easy to pinpoint and blame, but one of the contributing pins in the sides of young people's futures is the unrestricted development of artificial intelligence. A holistic intelligence that can connivingly adapt to careers that people once studied and looked forward to working for, free of any legal or formal boundaries.

This unrestrictive access to AI enables employers to ‘hire’ lines of algorithmic code instead of the intelligence of this generation not only effects an entire generation of work ethic but sets the precedent for a passed down cynicism.

Why should we work if we are to be replaced? A question that thousands of aspiring journalists, artists and mathematicians that are being ruthlessly replaced are forced to ask themselves. Not to mention the necessary entry level jobs, for something as simple as a basic customer service is now a forbidden fruit hung high above the possibilities of employment for young people – creating a rapidly increasing bridge between the wealth of long time businesses, and the ambitions of ‘devalued’ young employees.

If elected how will you aim to tackle the above Global issue?

Once elected, I aim to introduce modernised restrictions on the bounds of AI. Restrictions on how businesses are able to use AI. Specifically aiming to prevent mass layoffs and employer replacements with AI tools. As a consequence, I’d implement a higher tax on businesses that have evidence of employee layoffs for AI. For businesses that do not do this, there will be a lower tax needed to be paid. This would in theory encourage companies to hire people for efficiency and profit, and not AI. Bringing back several thousand entry level jobs back into the market.

As a response to this, this would also bring back the need for specialised degrees and training. Bringing back that optimistic pathway of post-18 education and training. These restrictions to AI should not be applied to all institutions and companies, like healthcare as there is a difference between unnecessarily terminating thousands of people's source of income and finding tumours before they are malignant.

What knowledge and experiences do you have, that will help you fulfil your role as a Member of Youth Parliament?

Experiencing growing up in a deprived area and a low-income household for most of my life, I have been brought up on the understanding of the importance of taking every possible opportunity, regardless of the outcome. This ‘Carpe Diem’ philosophy has become a developing foundation that has carried me through experiences I would not have seen myself in. Such as applying and being successful in securing places in several academic programmes such as the ‘Realising Opportunities’ and ‘Sutton Trust’ programme. To smaller levels of representation through becoming House Captain and apart of student parliament. It is with this that I have understood the importance of accurate representation, my own initiative and balancing the needs of vastly different people - like the role of a Youth Parliament member who has to balance accurate representation and the needs of their constituent's.

But it is experiencing the rise in cynicism within young people that is motivating me to fulfil the role of being a MYP. I cannot be complicit with the rise of cynicism in young people's future, as through my experiences of shadowing my local MP, volunteering within my local community, surrounding myself daily with my classmates and people within my demographic, I cannot deny the facts Infront of me. The future is not as dark as the current politics of the world tells us it needs. Despite rising unemployment, AI take over and hyperinflation that effects all young people, it is up to the initiative of elected members to better the lives of the future as we know they can be. I am ready to take a role within this collective and start bringing back optimism within young people's futures.

What will you bring to the role?

What I bring to this role is optimism, not critique. Not a critique of the current day and its struggles, but rather the view that each ‘tomorrow’ is a tomorrow promised to be constantly improving and changing. In a developing age of technology and algorithms it is easy to feel discouraged and powerless against the current of misfortune of the today. This is exactly where I want to be. In a representative role where I can prove to those who feel like they are drowning that they do not have to be forced to feel like this. It is with my core, foundational belief that the future is brighter than the dark ages we seem to be currently living in.

My conflicting views on today's cynicism is not the only point of conflict I want to challenge. It is my unwavering perspective of the negative effects of AI I hope to bring more support to. From students to teachers to global industries are using the supposed ‘efficiency’ of AI. I fight against the current of AI support with the conviction that AI is doing more to harm the lives of young people than it is supporting it. I bring contrasting opinions with informed, unbiased debate to a role often accused of the direct opposite.

What do you hope to achieve in the role if you are elected?

I speak for every young person when I say we have had to experience formidable historical events through a short period of time. Repeated threats of terror, military intervention overseas, housing market crash, Brexit and the pandemic all within our most developmental years. But I refuse these milestones in history set the precedent that young people are powerless and should not try for a better future. A secure future.

It is within this role that I aim to lead to this future with optimism and innovation for our once promised secure futures by the previous generations. Ones of not only career prosperity, but an overall life fulfilment not solely built around living pay check to pay check. Surviving and not living. I desire to tackle this by bringing back the need for young minds who have specialised degrees and training in job sectors as it once was. Over 50% of the population who have degrees, state they do not use them in the career or job they have today. In a majority of these cases that employers simply do not value the years and money behind these degrees.

On a personally local level, it is the local community that is going to encourage the rise in hope. A unity between constituents regardless of age in a once-again prosperous high street. I aim to restore the nostalgic bustling high streets with opportunity of employment for young people and soaring local business by the works of people, for people.

Please summarise why young people should vote for you.

As a collective, we have watched prosperous towns degrade overtime. From the closing down of our favourite extra curriculars to safe spaces to spend our time after school. Time and time again we are disappointed with our local cousins for the burdens of tax on our families and the inability to expand or grow in our constituencies. I see that and feel the struggle. That is why during my time with my local MP and their team I relentlessly invoked questions to challenge these difficulties and continue to do so.

I believe in the power of unity and coming together as a community to support each other - as evidenced by reaching out on multiple occasions to support my local council in the upkeep of our wildlife and the events aimed to support young constituents.

In a time where online debates blur the lines between fact and opinion, I re-establish this line. I use debates not to force my opinion on someone who disagrees with my views but rather develop an understanding of their beliefs by truly challenging their beliefs through conscience questioning. These are what I believe to be important qualities a s representative who has to approach different controversial opinions within my own demographic, where there is no shortage of passion. This passion for opinion and debate should not have to be faced with the challenged with the pessimistic future that AI brings. Rather, their vote would prove the need for regulated AI usage and the encouragement for human optimism that needs to be brought back, unregulated, into our futures. A no longer a jeopardised future, but a secure livelihood.

Bring Back optimism. Vote for a secure future.

Please tell us about one local issue you think is important to young people in North Northamptonshire.

Youth unemployment in North Northamptonshire is a genuine problem that does not get nearly enough attention. I have spent months trying to find part time work in town which I live and the surrounding area, and the experience has been eye opening.

Opportunities are scarce, application processes are unclear, and many employers simply do not engage with young people in any meaningful way. For young people without a car or easy access to transport, the options narrow even further. This is not just about pocket money. Work experience builds confidence, teaches responsibility, and gives young people a stake in their community. When those opportunities are not there, it creates a cycle where young people feel invisible and disengaged. In a post industrial town, where there is already a real question about what the economy looks like for the next generation, this matters more than ever. We cannot keep telling young people to work hard and aim high while giving them no genuine runway to get started.

If elected how will you aim to tackle the above local issue?

If elected, I would push for a structured local youth employment initiative, working with North Northamptonshire Council, local businesses and schools to create accessible, advertised work experience and entry level opportunities across a range of sectors, not just retail and hospitality, but tech, trades, healthcare and public services too.

I would advocate for a centralised online hub, specific to our area, where employers can post youth friendly opportunities and young people can find them without knowing the right people already. Right now too many opportunities go to whoever has the right connections, and that is fundamentally unfair. I would also work to challenge the attitude some employers have toward young workers.

Too many businesses see hiring a 16 or 17 year old as a risk rather than an investment. Part of my role would be making the case that young people bring energy, fresh perspective and genuine commitment when given the chance to prove themselves. I know this because I have been that young person, repeatedly, and I just needed someone to give me a shot.

Please tell us about one National issue you think is important to young people.

Artificial intelligence is the most significant technological shift of our lifetime, and the vast majority of young people are going through school with almost no formal education about what it is, how it works, or how to use it well. That is a serious problem. The conversation in schools tends to sit at two extremes. Either AI is ignored entirely, or it is treated purely as a threat to academic integrity, something to be banned and monitored. Both responses miss the point. AI is not going away. It is already being used by businesses, researchers, doctors and engineers across every sector. The question is not whether young people will encounter it, but whether they will be equipped to use it critically and responsibly when they do.

There is a real difference between a student who uses AI to skip thinking and one who uses it as a tool to think more deeply. The first is being short changed by their education. The second is developing a skill that will genuinely matter throughout their career. We need a national curriculum that teaches that distinction, that builds AI literacy alongside traditional subjects, and that prepares young people to be active participants in a technology driven world rather than passive consumers of it. This is not a niche issue for tech students. It affects every young person, in every subject, in every school.

Please tell us about one Global issue you think is important to young people.

Renewable energy is the central challenge of this generation, and the people who will actually build the solutions are mostly still in school. That gap between urgency and action frustrates me enormously.

Young people across the world are growing up with a genuine understanding of what is at stake with climate change, often more so than the decision makers currently in charge of energy policy. Yet the pathways from that awareness into real technical contribution are underfunded, inconsistent and often inaccessible to anyone outside elite universities or wealthy countries. A brilliant young engineer in sub-Saharan Africa or rural Southeast Asia, somewhere that will be hit hardest by climate change, faces enormous barriers to contributing to the very solutions their region desperately needs.

Meanwhile the renewable transition is accelerating. Solar, wind, battery storage, smart grid technology, all of these fields need more talent, more innovation and more diverse thinking. The technology is maturing fast but the human pipeline is not keeping pace. We should be treating young innovators in clean energy the same way we treat elite athletes, identifying them early, investing in them seriously, and giving them international platforms to collaborate and compete.

The planet does not have the luxury of waiting another decade for this generation to come of age.

If elected how will you aim to tackle the above Global issue?

Directly influencing global energy policy from a constituency in North Northamptonshire is obviously not something one MYP can do alone, and I want to be honest about that. But the UK Youth Parliament has a real platform, and I would use it to push for two things specifically.

First, I would advocate for the UK to champion international youth climate tech programmes at a governmental level, schemes that fund cross border collaboration between young engineers, scientists and entrepreneurs working on renewable energy, with particular focus on including young people from nations most affected by climate change who currently lack access to these networks.

Second, closer to home, I would push for renewable energy and clean tech to feature meaningfully in STEM education across secondary schools. Right now, most young people have no idea what a career in clean energy actually looks like. They do not know what skills are needed, what the opportunities are, or how exciting and fast moving the sector is. Changing that starts in classrooms, and it starts with curriculum reform that connects academic learning to real world application. If young people can see a viable path from their school science lesson to working on a solar grid or a hydrogen fuel system, more of them will take it.

What knowledge and experiences do you have, that will help you fulfil your role as a Member of Youth Parliament?

I have the following experience. I am a 16 year old student currently preparing for my GCSEs and planning to take Maths, Further Maths, Computer Science and Physics at A level, with the aim of studying Computer Science at university with a focus on artificial intelligence. Alongside my studies I have built and launched real software products, including an AI-driven clipboard manager application for Apple Macs. I have taught myself systems well beyond what is covered in school, including home networking, hardware, and artificial intelligence concepts, because I am genuinely driven by curiosity rather than grades alone.

I have also run many business ventures and spent months actively trying to find local employment, which gave me direct experience of how difficult the youth job market is in this area. I was a Brilliant Club Scholar and achieved the highest score in my cohort nationally, which gave me experience of academic research and presenting arguments at a high level. I believe this will help me in the MYP role because I understand the issues I am campaigning on from lived experience, not theory. I know what it feels like to be a young person in this area trying to find work, trying to teach yourself skills the curriculum does not cover, and trying to plan a future in an environment that does not always make that easy. That perspective is exactly what this role needs.

What will you bring to the role?

I have developed the following skills.

I am a strong communicator, both in writing and in conversation, and I am comfortable making arguments clearly and confidently in front of people I disagree with.

Running my own software projects has taught me how to manage my time independently, work through problems without guidance, and deliver things to a real standard rather than just to a brief. My technical background means I can engage seriously with complex topics around AI, digital infrastructure and technology policy in a way that most people my age cannot, but I have also learned to explain those ideas accessibly to people without that background, which I think is just as important.

I am also genuinely good at listening. I do not come into situations assuming I have all the answers. I ask questions, I change my mind when presented with better evidence, and I try to represent views other than my own fairly. That quality matters enormously in a democratic role where you are supposed to speak for a constituency, not just yourself.

I believe these make me an ideal candidate because the role requires someone who is driven enough to actually follow through on their commitments, humble enough to represent views they might not personally hold, and credible enough to be taken seriously by decision makers. I have been building toward exactly that kind of capability for several years, and I am ready to use it.

What do you hope to achieve in the role if you are elected?

If elected I would aim to:

Objective 1 - Launch a campaign in partnership with local schools and North Northamptonshire Council to map and publicise youth employment and work experience opportunities across the area, creating a clear, accessible resource that does not rely on young people already knowing the right people.

Objective 2 - Bring a formal proposal to the UK Youth Parliament calling for AI literacy to be embedded into the national curriculum as a core competency, with a focus on responsible and empowering use rather than fear and restriction, backed by evidence from schools and young people across the country.

Objective 3 - Use the UKYP platform to advocate for UK government backing of international youth clean energy programmes, connecting young innovators in renewable technology across borders, with specific focus on widening access beyond wealthy nations.

I think these aims will have a positive impact on young people in North Northamptonshire and beyond because they address the real barriers I and my peers have faced, not abstract policy problems but the actual day to day experience of being young in 2026 and trying to build something meaningful in a world that is changing faster than most institutions can keep up with.

Please summarise why young people should vote for you.

I am not a politician and I do not want to sound like one. I am a 16 year old from North Northamptonshire who has spent the last few years trying to build skills, find opportunities and figure out what my future looks like in an environment that does not always make any of that straightforward. The issues in this manifesto are not ones I picked because they sound good. They are the ones I have lived.

I care about youth employment because I have struggled to find it. I care about AI literacy because I have taught myself most of what I know about it outside of school and I know how much it matters. I care about renewable energy and young innovators because I genuinely believe the people who will solve the climate crisis are already alive, and most of them just need the right pathway opened up for them.

If elected I will work hard, I will represent views beyond my own, I will show up consistently and I will take the role seriously. I think that is what young people in North Northamptonshire deserve from their MYP.

Please tell us about one local issue you think is important to young people in North Northamptonshire.

Many young people in North Northamptonshire feel unheard, especially those with additional needs such as ADHD and dyslexia. I know this personally. I have experienced what it feels like to struggle in silence, to feel different in the classroom, and to be misunderstood by others. For some students, this leads to bullying, low confidence, and feeling excluded from school life. Support is not always consistent. Some students receive help, while others are left trying to cope on their own.

There is still a lack of understanding around neurodiversity, and this affects how young people are treated by both peers and sometimes adults. Every young person deserves to feel safe, respected, and supported in their education. This is not always the reality right now, and it needs to change.

If elected how will you aim to tackle the above local issue?

If elected, I will focus on making student voices heard, especially those who are often overlooked.

I will:

• work with schools to promote better understanding of ADHD, autism, dyslexia, and other additional needs through student-led awareness sessions
• create safe spaces where students can share their experiences without fear of judgement - encourage schools to listen more actively to students when it comes to support and wellbeing
• raise awareness about bullying linked to differences and push for stronger action and prevention
• i want to be a voice for students who feel they do not have one - real change starts by listening, and I will make sure those voices are heard

Please tell us about one National issue you think is important to young people.

A key national issue is the lack of consistent support for young people with additional needs across schools. Across the UK, many students with autism, dyslexia, and other needs do not receive the same level of support. This creates inequality in education and limits opportunities for many young people.

Students should not feel disadvantaged because of how their brain works. Education should adapt to students, not the other way around.

There is also a wider issue around mental health. When students feel unsupported, it affects confidence, learning, and future goals.

Please tell us about one Global issue you think is important to young people.

A global issue affecting young people is the lack of understanding and acceptance of differences. Around the world, many young people face discrimination, exclusion, or misunderstanding because of who they are. This includes those with additional needs, different backgrounds, or different ways of thinking.

We are part of a generation that is more aware, but there is still work to do. Young people should grow up in a world where differences are respected, not judged. Promoting inclusion, empathy, and understanding is essential if we want a better future.

If elected how will you aim to tackle the above Global issue?

If elected, I will promote understanding and inclusion starting from a local level. Real change begins in schools and communities. I will work to raise awareness about differences, including neurodiversity, culture, and background, so young people grow up with respect and empathy for others.

I will support campaigns that encourage acceptance and challenge discrimination. I will also use my voice to represent young people who feel overlooked, ensuring their experiences are part of wider conversations. Even though this is a global issue, change starts with how we treat each other every day. By creating a more inclusive environment locally, we contribute to a more understanding world.

What knowledge and experiences do you have, that will help you fulfil your role as a Member of Youth Parliament?

I am speaking from personal experience. I understand what it feels like to face challenges in education, including ADHD and dyslexia, and how this can affect confidence, learning, and how others treat you.

I have also experienced situations where I felt misunderstood or excluded. These experiences have helped me develop resilience and a strong sense of empathy. I listen carefully to others and take their concerns seriously because I know how important it is to feel heard.

I have also developed communication skills by expressing my ideas clearly and standing up for what I believe is right.

I am motivated to use my experiences to support others who may be facing similar challenges.

What will you bring to the role?

I will bring honesty, determination, and a strong commitment to representing young people. I am someone who listens, understands, and speaks up when something is not right. I am not afraid to raise important issues, especially when it comes to fairness, inclusion, and support for those who need it most.

I bring empathy because I understand different experiences, and I bring resilience because I have faced challenges and continued to move forward.

Most importantly, I will bring a genuine desire to make a difference and ensure that every young person feels valued and heard.

What do you hope to achieve in the role if you are elected?

If elected, I want to make sure that no young person feels invisible.

I aim to improve awareness and support for students with additional needs, reduce bullying, and create a stronger student voice in schools.

I want young people to feel confident speaking up, knowing their opinions matter and can lead to real change.

My goal is to help create an environment where everyone feels included, respected, and supported, regardless of their background or challenges.

Please summarise why young people should vote for you.

Young people should vote for me because I understand what it feels like to struggle and to feel unheard. I am not speaking about these issues from the outside. I have experienced them, and that is why I care so strongly about making a real difference.

I will listen to you, take your concerns seriously, and speak up for those who feel they do not have a voice. I will focus on fairness, inclusion, and making sure every student feels supported and respected.

This is not just about promises. It is about action, honesty, and representing real experiences. If you want someone who will stand up for you and make sure your voice is heard, then I am the right person to represent you.

I am standing for those who feel unheard.

Please tell us about one local issue you think is important to young people in North Northamptonshire.

I personally believe the lack of third spaces around east and north Northants is an issue we should aim to tackle. A third space is a general area where people can hang out, away from a house, school, anything work based. But there is a lack which causes young people to resort to doing reckless stuff such as going to lakes, going out at dark, or even the simple stuff of going to kid parks or to the mall every time young people want to hang out because there is near to no places where young people can hang out and be safe. It’ll be every other day where you can hear a young person talking about going to the mall to hang out or going to a park. Yet the mall and parks aren’t designed to be a place where you hang out every single time as an only option. That alone is because those are our last options to try socialise with people our age. Even then most teenagers will stay home, because said there is no place to go out. They will go online which is looked at as more dangerous considering the rise in issues online at the moment yet nobody talks about a solution as to how people expects young people to actually go out and socialise like a normal teenager.

Times have changed, and technology has evolved. But the fact that youth clubs are shutting down, even basic things like trampoline parks or swimming areas are closed and if they aren’t they will cost a lot of money that most teens won’t have. The main issue is the fact that.

Number 1- there is rarely anywhere for young people to go anymore, places that aren’t supposed to be designated for teenagers are being turned into that because there’s no proper places for young people to go.

Number 2- the youth clubs that may be active right now aren’t being pushed out enough. Young people probably wouldn’t have heard of the clubs or areas that allow teens around because they aren’t being properly shown to us.

If elected how will you aim to tackle the above local issue?

With the remaining youth clubs around or areas that allow teenagers to stay and enjoy themselves, I’d try pushing promotions onto schools, show them the benefits of staying safe at a place where they won’t need to spend loads of money or do something reckless for the thrill of it. They can enjoy a space where they’ll be accepted, able to socialise, and have fun. I’d also try to see if schools or areas around North Northampton would allow to volunteer, see if anyone would offer their halls to set up a youth club during weekends where young people can go and enjoy themselves, instead of having nowhere to go or being reckless on the streets and getting kicked out of malls or shops they’ll have the opportunity to stay at a safe environment and also have fun.

Please tell us about one National issue you think is important to young people.

The racism and lack of knowledge over different cultures and races are a big issue as of right now, from a young person’s point of view, I believe that young people across the UK all have different views on this topic alone, yet with the amount of discrimination and prejudice that has been on the rise lately and the country itself having issues with these topics. I believe we should try educating our young people into at least understanding the basic concepts of acceptance and why racism shouldn’t be tolerated. As a young person who has experienced racism multiple times all because people my age are uneducated or have been taught to treat people who are different I believe that is the worst thing to happen to someone, being singled out because you may have a different upraising.

We should try to encourage our young people to have a basic understanding of cultures and traditions to ensure no misconceptions are being spread about different races.

Please tell us about one Global issue you think is important to young people.

I believe global warming is an occurring issue that even nowadays still deserves to be talked about and discussed, despite the encouraging ways people have been contributing towards making the earth a better place to live on it’s still an issue in multiple countries, and global warming can be very overlooked or dismissed because to some it may be an issue that ‘may not be important to them’ but in reality we are destroying the environment we live around. We need more people to step up and encourage young people to look at this issue as a serious matter that deserves to be discussed about.

If elected how will you aim to tackle the above Global issue?

I would firstly encourage young people to recycle, pick up litter that is on the ground, small things that can make a difference in our environment. I would also start to promote and encourage young people to join groups such as litter picking, by creating posters, maybe even inviting groups to talk to our young people and encourage them to help out the local community. Social media can also help out, posting about this issue and raising awareness to this can make an impact since our young people are often on social media. From there we can encourage our young people from across the world to help out their local communities. It may seem small but with the support of young people who are able to go out and make a difference from across the world.

What knowledge and experiences do you have, that will help you fulfil your role as a Member of Youth Parliament?

I have been in student council since year 7 and kept my role since then, I’ve made small contributions such as form feedback, help out during year 6’s transition day, and even try planning school trips, with budgets, venues etc. I also have been in the Youth Advisory Council (YAC) for 2 years now. I helped out with organising this event, which then took place in Corby Cube, I was able to sit on panels and take part in asking questions to the young people. This year we are currently working on some more projects that are able to help shape the viewpoints of our young people.

What will you bring to the role?

Personally from my experience as student council and YAC, I’ve definitely developed my listening skills, hearing many different perspectives and voices has shaped the way I think about situations and circumstances now, in which I ask others for opinions now and am able to use people’s opinions for the better. I also believe I am good at leadership when put to the task considering I was able to lead an assembly alongside my peers we were able to work together and help out one another, which also adds in teamwork, I work especially well with other people in groups for events or anything of the sort.

I also have an optimistic viewpoint and attitude on situations, and am able to view them in a positive way and try guiding the process into the right way.

What do you hope to achieve in the role if you are elected?

I firstly would hope to promote youth groups, and even try creating ones around Northamptonshire to give young people’s place to socialise and congregate with others.

Secondly, I would also like to promote litter picking groups, and encourage people online across the world to help out their local communities, as a way to help spread awareness for global warming and how to help.

And lastly, I would want to show online the impacts of racism and spread awareness for culture and inclusion of one another.

Please summarise why young people should vote for you.

I believe people should vote for me because I want to represent all young people from across North Northamptonshire, from different viewpoints or backgrounds, whichever way someone’s been raised, and the different priorities everyone has. I believe I can be the person to represent and speak up on behalf of everyone. I want to listen and understand what main issues occur around our area and I want to help stop this issue, big or small, similar or different, every person deserves a voice no matter the class, age, gender.

And I believe that as young people we all should have a choice to give our opinions and be able to express our thoughts and views.

Thank you all for reading my manifesto and I hope that I am the candidate you are looking for.

Please tell us about one local issue you think is important to young people in North Northamptonshire.

An issue that I believe is important to young people in Northamptonshire is a lack of sociable places and clubs where young people can go and interact with each other. This leads to young people choosing to sit at home and therefore fuelling the social media addiction which is growing amongst youth. For example, I live in a North Northamptonshire town and there is not really any fun places to go and hang out with friends apart from Rushden lakes which is relatively far meaning that I need to pay public transport fees. Implementing new spaces around North Northamptonshire where people and especially youth can have fun in will allow young people to become more sociable and this will hopefully have a knock-on effect which gradually stops social media activities.

If elected how will you aim to tackle the above local issue?

If I was elected, I would aim to tackle the above issue by trying to add more shops back into the town centre which will hopefully bring back some life into the town centre which will stop us from feeling the need to regularly travel to Rushden Lakes. I would also try and create some more sports teams that appeal to a wider audience to keep young people healthy and also allow them to do something they enjoy which they will not have to travel very far to as it is local to them. I would also try to bring some liveliness back to town centre by hosting events such as more carnivals and cultured events to bring the community together to have fun. This will create a feeling in young people that they have something to do in their town every week or every other week giving them an opportunity to have fun.

Please tell us about one National issue you think is important to young people.

A national issue that I think is important to young people is the rise of knife crime and antisocial behaviour. Throughout recent years the rise of knife crime has gotten so out of hand that people do not feel surprised anymore when they check the news and see another victim. Some may not care but they do not realise that these deaths are leaving a massive impact on the victims families and their community. A whole future ahead of them, taken away for what reason? Gang culture? For being from a certain postcode? The system is really failing these young people and it is about time that knife crime comes to a stop. Northamptonshire has experienced a rise in knife crime throughout the years which has led to many young people and parents not feeling safe even in their own town. This is a massive issue as people should not have to worry about going outside and never going back home but sadly this is a reality for some.

Please tell us about one Global issue you think is important to young people.

A global issue that I believe is important to young people is the rise in mental health issues. All around the world there has been a crisis with young people suffering from mental health issues and these young people do not know where to seek help so they end up suffering all alone and sometimes this does become too much. This leads to really unfortunate cases in which young people feel as if they cannot get any better and that life will only get worse, which causes a spike in the amount of suicides and young people inflicting harm on themselves. Many things can cause these mental health issues such as toxic masculinity, pressure from school, family and home issues and also bullying in real life and also in social media. These are behaviours that are portrayed in everyday life which can lead to people feeling that it is normal when it most definitely is not.

If elected how will you aim to tackle the above Global issue?

If I am elected I aim to tackle the above global issue by trying to create more helplines in where young people can access 24/7 help and advice. I would also clean up green places and add more sitting spaces there so that young people can go and sit in these green spaces by themselves or with friends as it is proven that green spaces help when people are overthinking and are overstimulated.

Another way that i would tackle this issue is by hosting awareness classes which invite parents and educate them on mental health issues as some parents are very uneducated in this topic which may lead to them disregarding what there child is thinking. This will also help them hopefully learn how to spot these signs and what to do once they recognise them. This could be giving them advice, enrolling them in activities like sports and/or referring them to professionals who are trained to deal with all types of situations.

What knowledge and experiences do you have, that will help you fulfil your role as a Member of Youth Parliament?

If I am elected I feel as if I have some experiences and knowledge that will help me fulfil my role as MYP. For example, I have undertaken work experience recently with my local MP which helped me gain some experience with understanding more about the world of politics. I am very relatable so I believe that I can understand how other young people are feeling and what needs to be done about it. I believe this will make me the ideal candidate as I am no different to other young people and will do my job if elected based on what the young people want.

What will you bring to the role?

I am very approachable and relatable meaning that I can interact with other young people and speak to them about issues that they may be encountering. I am very understanding and patient which means that I can take time out of my day to figure out why somebody is feeling the way that they do. I am quite good at public speaking as I have done so before in my church and at award ceremonies which means that I have the ability to speak up for the young people of North Northamptonshire with pride. I have good team work skills as I have had to many times especially as I have been playing football for my whole life which is a sport which requires a lot of teamwork in order to actually win and build strong bonds with teammates.

I have good researching skills which means that I can quickly and effectively research about a topic that a young person in my constituency may be concerned about. I have developed this skill by me undertaking the Level 3 Extended Project Qualification at my sixth form which required me to research for long periods of time.

What do you hope to achieve in the role if you are elected?

If i am elected I will create more sports teams within the North Northamptonshire area to ensure that Young people are partaking in extra activities outside of school which may help with their mental health as they are doing something that they enjoy.

Secondly, I will host more events in the area such as more carnivals, runs and fun activities that will increase the amount of young people interacting with other people in the area.

Another objective I have is to reduce the amount of young people that are out of education and unemployed so that they have something to do in their day in hope that they do not resort to partaking in criminal activities which can ruin their futures. 
I know these aims will have a positive impact on young people in North Northamptonshire as they will have more activities to do, more events to attend in the area which will reduce the amount of times that they have to leave the area to actually have fun and also these things will increase the amount of interacting that young people do which can create new friendships.

Please summarise why young people should vote for you.

Thank you for reading my manifesto.

Please tell us about one local issue you think is important to young people in North Northamptonshire.

One local issue affecting young people in Northamptonshire is the lack of accessible mental health support. Many young people in the county struggle to access timely mental health services due to long waiting lists, limited funding for youth-specific programs, and a shortage of mental health professionals. This has been a growing concern, especially post pandemic, as anxiety, depression, and stress levels among young people have increased.

Additionally, cuts to youth services, the closure of youth centres, and limited affordable recreational activities make it harder for young people to find safe spaces to socialise and receive support. These challenges can impact their well-being, education, and future opportunities. This cut also means that we are forced to find unsafe areas to hang-out and find comfort, such as fast-food venues, abandoned sites etc. With this following suit, there is also a huge increase of anti-social behaviour, and a spike in knife crime within the county.

If elected how will you aim to tackle the above local issue?

I aim to start by opening a public enquiry into how we can tackle the issue, and also how we can secure funding for the services from alternative avenues. Through this public enquiry I will aim to sit down with Councillors and the various Members of Parliament to also further see how we can combat the issue with support from other agencies such as the Police, NHS etc. Additionally, I aim to start a committee made up of young people from North Northamptonshire to help support this public enquiry and to get their points covered within the enquiry / project. During the enquiry I will also try to put out forms on monthly basis to ask you all what you would like to see in the future and to see what is impacting you guys directly, and also to see what ideas you all have to help combat the above issue.

Please tell us about one National issue you think is important to young people.

The cost of living crisis is particularly important to us young people because it directly affects our ability to build a stable future. One reason for this is because housing affordability because young people looking to move out of their area experiencing the downfall of rising / skyrocketing rent costs. Additionally high rents and expensive house prices.

To further worsen the housing crisis many young people, especially in Northamptonshire, are forced to work low-wage or entry-level jobs which means that we are more susceptible to financial burden and stress.

To help address and combat this issue, if I am elected, I aim to start another campaign and enquiry into the situation with other Youth Members of Parliament speaking with the cabinet minister, local authorities and businesses to see how we can help ease the situation.

Please tell us about one Global issue you think is important to young people.

One major global issue that is important to young people is climate change. It impacts us all most and is important to us because it leaves us uncertain about our future, and the future of our planet because of the increase in national disasters, rising sea water levels and food and water shortages.

If elected how will you aim to tackle the above Global issue?

To tackle the issue, I will be try to spread awareness in our local area of how we can do our part to help climate change even if it is little action. I will also try to increase social media following to help further spread awareness on a national and global scale which may hopefully attracting attention with UN to help their global initiatives. Additionally, I aim to do press interviews to help spread awareness and increase viewer knowledge to help do my bit to tackle the global issue.

What knowledge and experiences do you have, that will help you fulfil your role as a Member of Youth Parliament?

As it stands, I have already attended one of the Midlands Regional Youth Parliament Conference in 2024, and this was really helpful as it gave me a big insight into the role of a Youth Member of Parliament. It also helped me develop the necessary connections within Youth Parliament to help action my policies and plans both at a local and a national level. Furthermore, I am currently studying A-level Politics with aspirations to study Politics and International Relations (IR) at university as even after I finish my potential term in youth parliament I aim to continue making change in UK and international politics.

What will you bring to the role?

One thing that I can bring to the role is the exposure to the role as a Youth Member of Parliament that I was able to receive last year in the summer, at the Youth Parliament Midlands regional conference. At this conference I was able to learn and understand how the Youth Parliament works and what the role of the MYPs are within Youth Parliament. Furthermore, from my cadets experience I was able to gain necessary leadership, teamwork, time management and organisational skills which are essential to the undertaking of this role.

I believe these make me an ideal candidate because it means transitioning into the role will be a seamless period, and I this will help me hit the ground running as I potentially enter the role.

What do you hope to achieve in the role if you are elected?

Objective One: I aim to host a new series of events that have the sole purpose of getting more young people involved within community action.

Objective Two: I pledge to lead a local enquiry into the current situation in relation to Youth Centres, Clubs and Mental Health services.

Objective Three: I would like to increase and secure funding for the re-establishment of youth community centres, via fundraising events and by potentially securing sponsorship deals with local businesses.

Objective Four: I would like to host monthly meetings (political surgeries) or a meeting every two months so that I can hear what you have to say so I can make a difference about what you all believe are important issues.

I believe that these aims / objectives will have a significantly positive impact on our community as these aims actively seek change and your voice to make a difference.

If elected, I also aim to organise / host a meeting / political surgery at the end of April / start of May to help you relay your ideas and suggestions to me directly. Furthermore, I can use this meeting to help inform you of what my first course of action and plans are for the beginning of my term within the role.

Please summarise why young people should vote for you.

I believe you should vote for me because I am passionate about making change within our community for us young people. For so long we have been overlooked and we have had no one to represent us. Moreover, I don't see this role as something new to put on my CV, I see this role as a real opportunity to address the various issues that I see within Northamptonshire to make a long-lasting change for the future.

So overall, if you seek a long-lasting change, please vote for me. Thank you for taking the time to read my manifesto.

Please tell us about one local issue you think is important to young people in North Northamptonshire.

Too many young people in North Northamptonshire are isolated, lacking the social spaces to socialise, lacking the access to facilities to develop themselves. Too many young people in North Northamptonshire, are not involved. The stereotypes remain, that young people are ‘lazy, rebellious, moody’. But can we truly blame them? Too many young are deprived from the access, to internalise their potential talents. Why?

There is a rise in mental health issues, a rise of anti-social behaviour, and a decrease in young people socialising with friends. It’s just not right. Our local community, should be based upon prioritising young people, interests. Yet young people are not being seen or recognised, enough in our local community. Involvement - defined as being involved with or being or participating in something. In North Northamptonshire, we don’t see the young people being involved within society, we don’t see young people as actively involved in sports anymore, or having the ability to foster their interests and hobbies.

It is simply not okay!

If elected how will you aim to tackle the above local issue?

In order to tackle the lack of involvement that the local young people in North Northamptonshire face, I would work extensively and closely with the local council. Making sure that the issues are addressed, whilst also coming up with solutions to increase the involvement for young people. This would be addressed, by increased funding for sports facilities in North Northamptonshire, create more opportunities such as debate competitions. Drawing, art, athletics, science competitions in the local community.

Making it known that every single young person in North Northamptonshire has the ability to become a change maker in every way, being a politician, artist, scientist, making sure the ability has the ability to flourish and grow. Young people are the change makers, and as a Member of Youth Parliament, I would combine the work of the local authorities, and schools to make sure that the young people are equipped with the facilities to succeed.

Young people are the present and the future, and they deserve every access to ensure they reach the accord of becoming changemakers.

Please tell us about one National issue you think is important to young people.

Education. The very institution, the government says is the engine of our economy, is the foundations of our culture, and it is essential preparations for adult life. But why is the reality, 147,605 young students are persistently absent from school. Every student has the potential to grow and reach their dreams whether that’s a baker, politicians, dancer. The young people are the future of the United Kingdom.

Yet these same change makers of the world are trapped in a system where 40% of students feel chronically disengaged. Why? 2026, it can’t go on. The ambition and drive for school is being lost, we need to bring it back.

How much longer can young people go each day, losing out on valuable lessons, social interactions. It remains clear that education is taking a fixed ‘fits all mentality’, when that is simply not the case. Each student has, their own strengths, and I believe that this should be developed by the education system. It is now time that educational reform was looked at as a national issue, which needs change and the change is needed now.

How much longer can we let this issue go on?

Please tell us about one Global issue you think is important to young people.

There are thousands of external pressures that come in everyday life as a young person. From social media, unrealistic expectations, the pressure to conform, the pressure to only take up certain hobbies. It’s just not right.

Why should it be that young people are no longer entitled to be their individual self. Individuality is defined as the single human being as distinct from a group. These external pressures are ruining young people. These pressures affect young people, from pursuing activities such as sport, art or photography. All stemming from the prospect of judgement. Young people should be able to be expressive, in society and live to their complete and ultimate form. Why should 68% of young people feel pressure in their everyday lives?

They say this is the years of our life, these are most enjoyable and stress-free years. Yet young people are facing the most stress in their life. It’s time for young people to feel free, feel as if they don’t have to live up to the unrealistic standards, stereotypes of the lost generation within society. It simply just can’t go on, and is not okay! It’s time to now empower the young people globally.

If elected how will you aim to tackle the above Global issue?

In order to tackle the extensive amount of pressures that young people face, it is vital to globally address the issue. Making sure that young people are aware, that pressures exist initially. Working with schools globally to make sure that young people are taught the ability of how to tackle these external pressures that affect their everyday lives.

Giving young people the confidence. Giving young people a voice. Giving young people the courage. Making sure young people in society, feel as though they can express themselves in any way that they would like without any barriers, preventing them from doing so. Young people are the future of the world, and it is time that they believed so.

Empowerment, the young people need to feel empowered in order to remove the issue of pressure. Young people need to feel as though they truly are the very changemakers of society. Supporting forums, and making sure that voices are heard, in for example the youth parliament, just makes the issues of pressures even smaller. Now is the time to remove the pressures that young people face in everyday life.

What knowledge and experiences do you have, that will help you fulfil your role as a Member of Youth Parliament?

I love using my voice in any way that I can. Whether that is through advocacy, public speaking. I’m not afraid to stand up for the rights of young people. Using my personal experiences of being a young person, to stand up and advocate for change. 

I’m confident, and willing to do whatever is possible to make that young people are not only heard but the young people are seen. I understand that young people are the centre of our society, and I am willing to do what it takes for it to be recognised that young people are the core of our society.

I am a young person myself and I want to use my knowledge of the prevalent issues faced everyday by young people to create change. When will you do that? Change should be created now. No matter what activity, I’m willing to put 100% effort into any activity I’m doing, from sending emails, from speaking to empower the young people, to putting the extra work in to ensure that young people have their deserved place in society, to reach their future ambitions.

As a member of Youth Parliament, it won’t only be a role but a duty to make sure that young people are suited and geared to reach their maximum potential in society; using my past experiences, voice and energy. To create change. I understand that young people should be the centre of our society, I understand, relate and can empathise.

Overall, I wish to prove to the rest of world what difference a 17 year old can truly make.

What will you bring to the role?

Energy. The spark that runs through your veins that allow you to continue the day. I’m willing. Using my energy to advert that into my work with the local authorities, a national scale and a global scale. Sacrifice. Sacrificing any time necessary to complete extra work, extra advocacy. There will be no compromise as a member of youth parliament, change will be made. Change to the daily lives of the young people.

I would like to bring change about the lives of young people. Prove that the young people truly are the ones to make world records. I don't stop without a battle, if I fail I will try again putting my maximum effort with the belief that the young people are the core of all of this. I believe I am an ideal candidate because if I fail I will try my best to succeed, and making sure that issue is fixed.

I would like to bring change in the lives of the young people. Prove that young people are the ones to uplift world records.

What do you hope to achieve in the role if you are elected?

Goal 1- Create more projects in the local community, to involve the young people of North Northamptonshire 
Goal 2 - Work with the government on a national level to create initiatives to create change in the education system 
Goal 3 - Recognize young people on a global level to, eradicate change

Why does this need to happen?

Too many young people are isolated in society, not able to pursue their dreams. What happened to young people being the next generation, it’s time for the ability to be the new change makers of the world. I don’t believe in settling for young people, not being truly valued within society. The education system, is no longer inclusive to students. More than 100,000 students are persistently missing out on education, it’s simply not okay. I wish to work closely with government bodies to make change. Moreover, young people in the 21st century faces to many issues and they are being stripped away from the many joys of childhood - it’s not okay.

Please summarise why young people should vote for you.

Overall, I come before you as a 17 year who wishes to change the lives of the young people in society in any way possible. No change is too small and no change is too be big. I’m not afraid to put myself in difficult situations, in order to achieve what is necessary for the lives of the young people. I’m willing to use my voice and by being a member of youth parliament, to advocate for the rights of young people.

I come before you all as an equal too, who wishes to make a difference in society for the young people. This is no longer about me it is about the 1.3 billion adolescents, vote for me, as someone who wishes to create a future for the young people. As you young people are the future doctors, politicians and engineers.

This is about young people and showing the rest of the world the power that young people truly have, to make a difference.

Please tell us about one local issue you think is important to young people in North Northamptonshire.

In North Northamptonshire, one of the biggest challenges young people face is not a lack of ambition - but a lack of direction after 18. Across towns like Corby, Kettering, and Wellingborough, students are expected to make life defining decisions with limited exposure to what actually exists beyond school or college. While institutions such as Tresham College and local sixth forms provide support, many young people still feel that career guidance is too broad, outdated, or disconnected from real opportunities.

University is often presented as the default path, while apprenticeships and vocational routes - despite being available through local employers in logistics, healthcare, and engineering - are not always promoted with the same visibility or clarity.

Transport also plays a role. Opportunities may exist, but not everyone can easily access them, particularly when travel between towns or to larger cities becomes a barrier. This creates a quiet divide between those with access to networks, information, and mobility - and those left uncertain.

Young people in North Northamptonshire are capable and driven. What’s missing is a system that connects them clearly and fairly to the opportunities around them.

If elected how will you aim to tackle the above local issue?

If elected, I will focus on turning confusion into clarity for young people across North Northamptonshire. I will push for stronger partnerships between schools, colleges like Tresham, and local employers in sectors such as logistics, healthcare, and construction - industries that are already present in the area but not always visible to students. Young people should be able to see and experience real pathways, not just hear about them.

I would support more localised career events across towns like Kettering, Corby, and Wellingborough, ensuring opportunities are not concentrated in one place but accessible across the region.

Transport and accessibility must also be considered. I will advocate for solutions that ensure opportunities are not limited by location, whether through better coordination, outreach, or digital access.

Most importantly, I want to create spaces where young people hear directly from people in their own communities who have taken different routes - making success feel realistic, not distant.

No young person in this area should feel like their future is unclear simply because they weren’t shown the full picture.

Please tell us about one National issue you think is important to young people.

Across the UK, young people are being told to “prepare for the future” - while struggling to access it. The current job market is increasingly difficult to enter. Many entry-level roles require prior experience, while internships and opportunities are often unpaid, competitive, or dependent on connections. For young people without financial backing or networks, this creates an uneven starting point. Even part-time work, which should act as a first step into employment, is not always easy to secure. In many areas, including towns across North Northamptonshire, young people compete for limited roles in retail or hospitality, often without success.

At the same time, education and employment are becoming disconnected. Students are achieving qualifications, but still feel unprepared for real working environments. This creates a system where young people are expected to be ready, but not supported in becoming ready.

Please tell us about one Global issue you think is important to young people.

One of the most urgent global issues affecting young people is the growing gap between short-term decision making and long-term consequences. Governments continue to prioritise immediate economic and political gain, while delaying meaningful action on sustainability and climate responsibility. The result is a future that is becoming increasingly unstable and, in some cases, irreversible.

Young people are not unaware of this - we are constantly told about climate change, environmental damage, and global instability. What creates frustration is not ignorance, but inaction. There is a clear imbalance: the people who will live longest with the consequences have the least influence over the decisions being made. This is not only an environmental issue. It is about trust, accountability, and whether future generations are being taken seriously at all. If this pattern continues, young people will inherit not just challenges - but the consequences of decisions they had no power to shape.

If elected how will you aim to tackle the above Global issue?

If elected, I will focus on making global issues feel relevant, understandable, and actionable for young people at a local level. I would support initiatives within schools and youth groups that connect global challenges, such as sustainability, to everyday actions and decisions. Awareness alone is not enough - young people need to feel that their actions have impact.

I will also advocate for stronger youth representation in discussions that involve long-term decision making, ensuring that young people are not only informed, but actively included. Locally, this could involve working with councils and organisations to promote sustainable practices and create opportunities for young people to take part in community-based projects.

While global change requires large-scale action, it is driven by collective pressure. When young people are engaged, informed, and vocal, it becomes harder for inaction to continue.

My aim is to shift young people from feeling powerless to feeling involved - because awareness without influence leads to frustration, but awareness with action leads to change.

What knowledge and experiences do you have, that will help you fulfil your role as a Member of Youth Parliament?

I am not speaking about these issues from a distance - I experience them daily. As a student, I understand the pressure of balancing academic expectations with decisions about the future. I have seen how unclear pathways, limited opportunities, and high expectations affect not only myself, but those around me. Through my studies, I have developed strong research and analytical skills, allowing me to break down complex issues and understand them from multiple perspectives rather than at surface level.

I have also developed an awareness of how background, culture, and access to resources shape different experiences for young people. This has made me more conscious of the importance of fair representation. I believe this combination of lived experience and critical thinking allows me to contribute in a way that is both realistic and informed - grounded in what young people are actually going through.

What will you bring to the role?

I bring honesty, awareness, and the confidence to speak when it matters. I am a clear communicator and can express ideas in a way that is direct, structured, and easy to understand. At the same time, I listen carefully, because representing others starts with understanding them properly.

I think critically, which means I do not accept problems at face value. I question systems, look deeper, and focus on solutions that are realistic rather than idealistic.

I am also disciplined and reliable. When I take on responsibility, I follow through and stay consistent.

Most importantly, I am not afraid to challenge what is not working. Not for the sake of being different, but because real change requires honesty.

These qualities allow me to represent young people with both confidence and responsibility.

What do you hope to achieve in the role if you are elected?

If elected, I would aim to:

• Aim 1: Improve awareness of post-18 pathways across North Northamptonshire by organising accessible, localised events that connect young people with employers, colleges, and alternative routes, making future options clearer and more realistic.
• Aim 2: Increase youth participation by creating consistent and approachable ways for young people to share their views, ensuring they feel heard and taken seriously within their communities.
• Aim 3: Promote engagement with wider issues such as sustainability by encouraging practical involvement at a local level, helping young people move from awareness to action.

I believe these aims will have a positive impact by increasing confidence, improving access to information, and ensuring that more young people feel prepared, included, and represented.

Please summarise why young people should vote for you.

Young people are often spoken about - but not always listened to. I am applying to change that. I will not offer empty promises or say what sounds good. I will speak honestly, represent real experiences, and push for change where it is needed.

I understand the pressures young people face, the gaps in the system, and the frustration of not being taken seriously.

If you want someone who will listen, challenge, and represent you with clarity and purpose, I ask for your vote. Not because I am the loudest voice. But because I will make sure yours is heard.