Four Norfolk teenagers sworn in as new Youth Parliament Members

Four Norfolk teenagers have been officially inaugurated as the county's new Members of Youth Parliament (MYPs) at a special ceremony held by Norfolk County Council.

Norfolk Youth Parliament helps young people to have a voice on the future of Norfolk and make a positive difference in their local community. Working with regional MPs and local Norfolk councillors, the young leaders will represent their peers and advocate for important issues such as education, mental health, and climate change.

Youth parliament elections are organised by Norfolk County Council and the young people will be supported by the council's participation team during their time in office.

The new MYPs are: 

• Keyaan Ahmed for Norwich 
• Beau Berwick for South Norfolk and Great Yarmouth 
• Aiesha Page-Geeves for North Norfolk and Broadland
• Sophia Paffett for West Norfolk and Breckland

Four new deputies have also been elected: 

• Rebecca Roberts for Norwich 
• Tiarna Westward for South Norfolk and Great Yarmouth 
• Daisy Keddie for North Norfolk and Broadland
• Sarah Mckown for West Norfolk and Breckland

The new MYPs, all aged between 13 and 18, were selected through a rigorous process that included applications, interviews, and public voting. Their passion for public service and dedication to their communities stood out throughout the selection process.

Councillor Penny Carpenter, Cabinet Member for Children's Services, said: "I'm delighted to be able to introduce our newly elected members of youth parliament. These young people put in a huge amount of effort, ran fantastic campaigns, and got thousands of votes from young people all across Norfolk.

"Youth parliament is a great opportunity for young people to use their voice for the greater good of their peers. It also helps inform key decision makers across the county, including ourselves at Norfolk County Council, so we can better meet the needs of children and young people."

The swearing-in ceremony was held at the Norfolk County Council chambers and was attended by council members, family, and friends of the new Members of Youth Parliament. The event highlighted the importance of youth participation in local governance and the role of the Youth Parliament in shaping the future of Norfolk.

A total of 16,345 votes were cast by 11 to 18-year-olds in Norfolk's MYP elections, approximately 21.5% of the population of young people in Norfolk and the largest paper vote for young people yet.

Young people also had the chance to cast their votes in the Make Your Mark ballot, which asks them to vote for the issues most important to them from a list of options. This year, health and wellbeing was voted as the most important issue to young people followed by culture, media, sport, jobs, the economy, and benefits.

If you would like to get involved with the new MYPs, please email ypm@norfolk.gov.uk