Blackburn with Darwen's new youth MP

Fifteen year-old Amal Idriss has been selected as Blackburn with Darwen’s new youth MP.

The Our Lady and St John Catholic Arts College student replaces outgoing youth MP Minhaz Khelya who has come to end of his term in office.

The announcement was made at Blackburn Town Hall on Friday by council leader Councillor Michael Lee who was the returning officer.

The nine candidates and their supporters along with councillors and council representatives had gathered in the council chamber to hear the news.

It was also revealed through a live link up to King Georges Hall where the Blackburn with Darwen Citizenship Conference 2009 was taking place attended by MP Jack Straw.

Fifteen year-old Becky Thomas of Darwen Vale High School and Cassie Knagg, 15, from St Wilfrid's C of E High School and Technology College were selected as deputy youth MP’s.

Amal who campaigned on transport issues, anti bullying and street safety said she was surprised and delighted at having been chosen.

She said her first priority was to work on changing negative perceptions about young people.

“I’m going to try my best to make sure issues are solved and make young peoples’ voices heard.”

Organisers were pleased that again the election encouraged a large number of young people to vote.

Just under half of the borough’s young people who were eligible took part in the democratic process.

Amal is now set to embark upon her role that will see her shadow local councillors, attend council meetings and meet with youth groups to seek their views on issues.

Executive member for culture, leisure and sport, councillor Michael Law-Riding, said: “Congratulations to Amal, being Blackburn with Darwen’s youth MP is a big responsibility and I am sure she will more than live up to the challenge.”