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Borough’s new member of the Youth Parliament vows to “make a difference”

The borough’s third member of the UK Youth Parliament, 16-year-old Ese Okperin, from Richmond upon Thames College was voted in last night (February 6) at an event broadcast live on the internet and he immediately vowed to “make a difference”.

Over 4,000 youngsters throughout the borough voted – three times last year’s number.

Richmond Council’s Cabinet Member for Children’s Services and Education, Cllr Malcolm Eady, said:

I would like to congratulate all the candidates. This year eleven young people stood and they all worked very hard on their election campaigns. Ese now has a fabulous opportunity to give the borough’s youngsters a real voice at a national level.

He will attend regular Youth Forum meetings where young people in Richmond upon Thames will debate key issues. He will then present them to the Youth Parliament.

Ese will be supported throughout his term in office by Council officers and his two deputies, Jem Bhatt and Flo Wright. I wish our new MYP and deputies every success.

Ese said:

It is an honour to be the next Youth Parliament Member for Richmond upon Thames. It has been an eye-opening experience to go through the election process and I would like to thank everyone who voted for me.

Young people who live, work and study in the borough should have a say on the decisions that affect them and this year a lot of people came out and used the opportunity to vote.

I believe that all young people care about their community and, thanks to the people who voted for me, I now have the opportunity to make a difference.

If any young people have issues they would like to discuss, I urge them to come along to a Youth Forum meeting.

For more information on the election go to www.richmond.gov.uk or to find out more about the Youth Forum, contact Lois Ratcliff on 07903 811704

For any media information, please contact Elinor Ridgeway 020 8487 5159