Key role for Bexley Youth Parliament Member

One of Bexley's UK Youth Parliament Members has been named as a London Regional Procedures Group (PG) Representative.

Business Academy Bexley student David Collier was elected last month back in November at a special regional meeting. David said; "To get elected I had to be an active member of the UK Youth Parliament, write a statement and then deliver a short speech saying why I would like to be PG representative for young people living in London, what I aim to do and what I have to offer. There was then an election in which all members and deputy members of the Youth Parliament in the London Region could vote on who they thought were best for the job.

As PG Rep I will represent the views of London at a national level by having regular meetings with the PGs from the other Youth Parliament regions. I will also have to arrange big events such as the Youth Parliament's annual sitting and hopefully another House of Commons debate. I will also be guiding next year's Youth Parliament Members as best as I can to allow them to get the most out of their role and be as productive as possible during their time in office."

David, aged 16 will now be one of just two young people representing London on a national level from next February.

Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Schools, Adult Education and Youth Services, Cllr. Simon Windle says; "I am delighted that Bexley has a Youth Parliament member with such a responsible regional position. We already know that Bexley has one of the best Youth Councils in the country and all the local representatives have shown what a difference they can make to where they live. The UK Youth Parliament is an excellent way for young people to find out more about how the political world works and I look forward to continuing to working closely with David in the future."

David became a UK Youth Parliament member after being a member of the borough's Youth Council. Bexley's Youth Council is made up of a group of 13-19 year olds who work to represent other young people in the borough. To find out more about Bexley's Youth Council and how to get involved email amanda.smith@bexley.gov.uk or amrit.rahi-deogun@bexley.gov.uk or call 020 8836 8235.

To find out more about the Youth Parliament visit www.ukyouthparliament.org.uk