Young leaders elected to represent West Northants in Parliament

29 April 2025

Twenty young people have been elected to the West Northamptonshire Youth Council, with two of them also stepping into national roles as Members of Youth Parliament (MYPs), following a successful election delivered in partnership between West Northamptonshire Council (WNC) and Clubs for Young People Northamptonshire (CYPN). 

The elections, which took place across schools, youth clubs and sports groups in the area, marked a powerful opportunity for young people to have their say and help shape the decisions that affect them. Thousands of votes were cast as part of the democratic process, with polling stations hosted at schools and community venues across West Northants. 

The newly elected MYPs are: 

• Chanel – MYP and Chair of the Youth Council (Northampton School for Girls) 
• Thomas – MYP and Vice-Chair of the Youth Council (Caroline Chisholm School) 

Chanel and Thomas will go on to represent West Northamptonshire at a national level, including participating in debates in the House of Commons and engaging with MPs on key issues affecting young people. The Youth Council will meet monthly to campaign on local priorities, discuss challenges, and collaborate with WNC and other partners to create meaningful change. 

“This is an incredibly proud moment for our area. By giving young people the platform to speak out and get involved in the democratic process, we are helping to grow the leaders of tomorrow. The level of engagement in the elections was outstanding, and we’re excited to support the Youth Council and MYPs as they bring forward fresh ideas, energy and perspectives to help shape our communities and beyond.” Jane Carr, Director of Communities & Opportunities at WNC

"This is a very exciting time for young people in West Northamptonshire. Although there has been a Youth Forum for some time, the aim since the creation of West Northamptonshire Council has been to develop a group of young people to become part of the National youth Parliament. We all need to celebrate now this has been achieved. Our team of young people and staff are looking forward to raising the voices of the youth of West Northamptonshire locally, nationally and even internationally. The door is wide open." Morcea Walker MBE, Chair of the Youth Forum

“This is a significant step forward for youth representation in our county. We have been working closely with West Northamptonshire Council to manage this process and will be continuing to work diligently with both the Youth Council and the Members of Youth Parliament to ensure that young voices are heard and valued. We extend our heartfelt congratulations to all of the newly elected young people and encourage community engagement in this vital project.” Sarah Bailey, Project Coordinator at Clubs for Young People Northamptonshire

To learn more about the West Northamptonshire Youth Council or get involved, please visit: www.westnorthants.gov.uk/community-forums or contact [email protected]