Bracknell

Simon Carmichael aged 15 from Easthampstead Park School in Bracknell has been elected Member of the UK Youth Parliament (MYP) for Bracknell Forest, it was announced this week (January 25).

He beat off competition from four other candidates to win the Bracknell election. Daniel Opoku Akyeam Pong, 15, from Brakenhale School and last year's MYP came second in the race for the top job. He will act as Simon's deputy this year.

Students from Bracknell Forest secondary schools and Bracknell & Wokingham College went to the polls last week (January 16-20) and votes were counted over the weekend.

Several schools in the borough took part with some 1333 votes cast. Simon won with 422 votes.

Simon's victory was announced as part of the Bracknell Forest Youth Forum Citizenship Day which included a series of workshops focusing on team building, young peoples views and concerns about life in Bracknell Forest, the Children and Young Peoples Plan and the meaning of citizenship.

His first engagement as MYP was to meet dignitaries including Cllr Mrs Jacqui Ryder, Mayor of the Borough of Bracknell Forest, Cllr Dr Gareth Barnard, Executive Member for Children's Services and Tony Eccleston, Director of Education, Children's Services & Libraries.

With the support of his deputy and the Youth Forum, Simon will represent Bracknell Forest as one of 400 members of the UKYP which was set up to give young people the opportunity to influence adult decision makers.

Throughout the year they will take part in meetings and activities to promote greater involvement of young people in all aspects of the democratic process, making sure their views are sought and used to best effect.

They will also meet up with Bracknell borough councillors to discuss a wide range of issues and attend regional and national meetings of the UKYP.

Bracknell Cllr Dr Barnard, said: "Well done to Simon on winning this election and seeing off a field of strong candidates.

"I wish him every success in his year as MYP and I am sure the experience of Daniel, his deputy, will be most valuable.

"We are committed to listening to and involving young people in decision making and helping them to develop an even stronger voice.

"Simon and all his colleagues in the Youth Forum can rely on the Council and the Partnership for support in the coming months."

Bracknell Forest Borough Council leads the Bracknell Forest Children and Young People's Strategic Partnership (CYPSP) which includes the Council, schools, Bracknell Forest Primary Care Trust, Thames Valley Police, the Probation Service, Connexions and voluntary sector organisations.

Tony Eccleston said: "I should like to congratulate Simon on his win and wish him good luck for his year in office.

"His role is a crucial one and along with the Youth Forum he will play an important part in further developing the involvement of young people in the work of the Council and the Strategic Partnership."

Bracknell Forest Borough Council