A change to the roster of Dorset's new Members of Youth Parliament (MYPS) has been announced, following the election last week.


Luke Mills, who is 13 and attends Dorchester Middle School, will now take up the reins of deputy MYP for Dorset, following a decision by one of the newly appointed deputies to step down from the post.

According to an announcement by Dorset County Council, Henry Slocombe, 17, from The Gryphon School in Sherborne made the decision to resign due to a full schedule of ongoing commitments, which include the army cadets, rugby and working towards his Duke of Edinburgh gold award.

Luke had the next-highest number of votes and will now work alongside fellow deputy MYP for Dorset Melissa Garanowako,14, who attends the Thomas Hardye School, as well as Dorset's two MYPs, Imogen Watson, 15, from Budmouth, and Emily Marshall, 18, from Weymouth College.

Dorset's MYPs will represent the county nationally and attend events including the UK Youth Parliament's annual sitting and the yearly House of Commons debate.
Following the announcement, Luke Mills said he is "very excited" to be taking up the position.Meet the young people who will be the voice of local youth at national level.

The UK Youth Parliament is a programme run by the British Youth Council. It provides opportunities for 11 to 18 year olds to use their voice in creative ways to bring about social change.

Every year Dorset's young people elect two MYPs and two deputies. These members represent Dorset nationally and attend events throughout the year including the UK Youth Parliament's annual sitting and the annual House of Commons debate.

Dorset County Council which organised the election locally says 11,838 ballots were counted before the four successful candidates were announced at County Hall in Dorchester.

The four will now represent Dorset on a regional and national basis, helping to engage young people in politics and democracy, as well as delivering their own manifestos to improve the lives of others in their peer group.

Last year, MYPs tackled issues including mental health, exam stresses, and period poverty.

Cllr Andrew Parry, Dorset County Council cabinet member for education, learning and skills, said: “The high calibre of candidates from across Dorset - all campaigning passionately on issues relevant to the lives of young people in the county - demonstrates how, by successfully engaging with their peers, they inspired thousands of them to cast their votes in support of this year’s Youth Parliament elections.

"Congratulation to the successful MYPs and their deputies - I am confident they will be a strong voice for young people in Dorset at a local and national level”.

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