Young People choose Chris in biggest ever Knowsley Youth Parliament vote

Issues that matter to young people will be championed by 15-year-old Chris Browne, after he was elected the borough’s representative on the UK Youth Parliament in a ballot with largest number of votes ever cast in a Youth Parliament election in Merseyside.

Chris, a student at Springfield School, was voted in following a hard fought election campaign in Knowsley in which almost 8,500 young people - 46.5% of 11 to 18 years olds - took part.

15-year-old Dominic Armstrong, from Kirkby Sports Centre for Learning and 16-year-old Matthew Heaps from Knowsley Community College were elected as Chris’ deputies. They will attend sessions of the parliament when Chris is unable to.

Chris Browne said:

“I’d like to thank everyone who voted for me, I feel really happy! I’m looking forward to representing young people; especially those who are disabled, to make sure their views are heard and are listened to.”

Mayor of Knowsley, Cllr Dave Smithson, said:

“Once again our young people have shown that they care passionately about the issues which affect them, their friends and family.

“I know that Chris and his deputies will work really hard to ensure that the voices of young people in Knowsley are heard at both a local and national level.

“I’d like to offer them my congratulations and very best wishes for their term in office.”

The other candidates were Phil Atkinson, 15, from All Saints Centre for Learning and Sarah Lyon, also 15, from Huyton Arts and Sports Centre for Learning.

Cllr Wright, Cabinet Member for Children and Family Services, said:

“The commitment and enthusiasm of these young people is outstanding and an example to us all. Knowsley Youth Parliament does a great job ensuring young people’s views are heard and taken into account particularly on decisions that affect children and young people in the borough.

“I wish them all the best and look forward to working them over their next 12 months in office.”

Photo caption: Knowsley’s newly elected Member of Youth Parliament and his deputies.(Clockwise) Cllr Smithson, Mayor; Damian Allen, Executive Director for Children and Family Services; Matthew Heaps, Deputy Member of Youth Parliament; Member of Youth Parliament, Chris Browne; Dominic Armstrong, Deputy Member and Cllr Wright, Cabinet Member for Children and Family Services.