Who will be Blackburn with Darwen's new youth MP?

Young people will be going to the polls this week to vote for their new youth MP.

Young people across the borough are encouraged to get involved and use their right to vote for the next youth MP who will represent them and make sure their voices are heard.
The elections will see nine young people standing for election from across the borough.

The candidates aged 14 to 18 years of age are representative of Blackburn with Darwen’s diverse communities and included a young carer and young person in our care.

Issues that candidates have explored during their campaigns include transport concerns, bullying, community cohesion and things for young people to do or places to go.

The winning candidate will shadow local councillors and attend council meetings, as well as meeting with youth groups to seek their views on issues and the policies that affect them.

Ballot boxes are in all schools, youth clubs, colleges, and other places young people attend.

The count of the votes will take place in the Old Town Hall on Friday with the successful candidate announced at 3.30pm

The returning officer will be the Leader of the councillor Michael Lee.

Councillor Michael Law Riding, executive member for culture and leisure, said: “Young people should make sure they use their vote and not miss out on this opportunity to get involved in the democratic process.”