Living wage and work experience issues raised at elections for Warwickshire Youth Parliament

As well as casting their vote, youngsters were asked to write any issues they wanted to be put forward on the back of their slips.

The top five also included raising awareness of equality issues, allowing maths and English exam resits, and learning about mental health issues.

More than 16 hopefuls stood for Youth Parliament and 19 for VOX, the county’s youth council, and 16,639 votes cast – a turnout of 39 per cent of eligible voters.

Ajay Bawa and Hazeen Arif were chosen to represent the Warwick District Council area as Members of Youth Parliament (MYP) and Chloe Hancock was elected a deputy member.

In the Vox elections, Ben Knight, Callum Daly and Lucy Wing represent the Warwick District, while Brandon Shaw and Jennifer Mills represent South Warwickshire District.

Members of Youth Parliament will represent the views and interests of young people in their constituency, both locally and nationally, by meeting councillors, MPs and other decision makers to take forward issues of local importance.

The VOX members will represent the voice of youth by addressing issues affecting young people at a county level.

Cllr Izzi Seccombe, Leader of Warwickshire County Council, said: “It is vital that our youth are involved in the democratic process and get a chance to put their views across.

“MYPs and VOX members give young people someone whom they can discuss their issues with and who will try to find a solution to those problems. It is encouraging to see so many young people interested in politics.”

Cllr Bob Hicks, chairman of the children & young people overview & scrutiny committee, said: “It is important that young people feel they have some control over their future and a say in how their lives are shaped.”

The elections are co-ordinated by the county council. Go to www.warwickshirevoice4youth.org.uk