IT'S not just adults who will be voting this December, as young people across Wigan borough head to the polls to elect new members of the UK Youth Parliament.

Two successful candidates from a shortlist of 13 will be chosen to ensure local views were being represented on a national level.

Climate change, online bullying, gender equality, support for young carers and body image are some of the key issues they plan to address.

They will also take part in the annual sitting in the House of Commons in 2020.

The borough’s current MYPs are Will Powell, 15, from Orrell, and 16-year-old Keegan Moran, from Leigh.

Leigh Journal:

Will Powell

Will said: “I’ve really enjoyed helping make sure that young people’s voices are being heard.

“Last year, young people told us that mental health was the national issue they were most concerned about, so I spoke in the House of Commons on the need to offer more and better services.

“We’ve also been working with the council and health services to help improve support services locally.”

Leigh Journal:

Keegan Moran

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Keegan described being an MYP as a ‘"great experience", adding: “The feeling when you are in the House of Commons is totally immense. 

“There are so many like-minded young people there who care about important issues.”

Each of the candidates vying for election have produced campaign videos, which can be seen here.

These will be shared around schools and colleges across the borough where youngsters aged 11 to 17 will be able to cast a vote.

Will added: “I hope that lots of young people will vote. Some people think that no-one listens to younger people, but this is our chance to be heard.”

James Winterbottom, director of children’s services at Wigan Council, said: “We know how important it is to listen to young people in Wigan borough and the UK Youth Parliament gives young people a chance to have their say at both a regional and national level too.

 “It’s fantastic that so many young people have put themselves forward as candidates and I hope all of our high schools and colleges will support the process and give students the chance to experience what it’s like to vote in an election.”

If your school or college wants to take part but hasn’t signed up yet, please email Wigan Council’s targeted youth support services on tyssweb@wigan.gov.uk.

Voting will close on January 31, 2020, and the the winners will be announced on February 25.