Youngsters hit campaign trail

A total of 27 youngsters put themselves forward for either North Tyneside’s Young Mayor or Member of UK Youth Parliament.

After nearly 3,700 young people cast their votes in preliminary voting, the final eight have hit the campaign trail with their own manifestos.

The Young Mayor will act as a figurehead for young people in the borough, giving them a voice and influencing decision. The Member of UK Parliament will represent young people in the borough as part of Youth Parliament. Both posts are for a year.

The four candidates for Young Mayor are: Bethany Amer, 12, of George Stephenson High School; Kieran Archer, 16, from Monkseaton High School; Terri Metcalfe-Shaw, 15, of Whitley Bay High School; and Madelyn Wood, 11, of Churchill Community College.

The four standing for Member of UK Youth Parliament are: Dillon Blevins, 16, of Churchill Community College; Anya Croskery, 12, of Valley Gardens Middle School; Rachel Harvey, 15, of Whitley Bay Student Support Centre; and Zara Smith, 13, of George Stephenson High School.

Mayor Norma Redfearn said: “I am delighted that so many young people have had the chance to take part in local democracy, whether that’s by putting themselves forward for one of the positions or by voting in the preliminary elections.

“I would like to say well done and thank you to all of the 27 young candidates who stood and wish the final eight the best of luck.”

Elections will take place from February 22 and 24.

Elections will be held in North Tyneside schools, colleges and other selected venues and young people aged 11 to 19 who live, work or attend school or college in North Tyneside can vote.

The two elected young people will take up their positions at the end of February.

The manifestos of the young people will soon be available to watch on the council’s YouTube channel, search for ‘North Tyneside Council’.