Eight teenagers have been elected to make a positive difference in their communities, including two from the district.
Council members, family, and friends gathered at the Norfolk County Council chambers to swear in West Norfolk and Breckland’s Sophia Paffett, and three others from other districts, as new Youth Parliament Members (MYPs).
Joining her was Sarah Mckown, one of the four newly elected deputies.
The new MYPs, all aged between 13 and 18, were selected through a process of applications, interviews, and public voting.
Cllr Penny Carpenter, cabinet member for children’s services, said: “I’m delighted to be able to introduce our newly elected Members of Youth Parliament.
“These young people put in a huge amount of effort, ran fantastic campaigns, and got thousands of votes from young people all across Norfolk.”
The other MYPs include Keyaan Ahmed for Norwich, Beau Berwick for South Norfolk and Great Yarmouth and Aiesha Page-Geeves for North Norfolk and Broadland - with their deputies being Rebecca Roberts, Tiarna Westward, and Daisy Keddie respectively.
“Youth Parliament is a great opportunity for young people to use their voice for the greater good of their peers,” Cllr Carpenter added.
“It also helps inform key decision makers across the county, including ourselves at Norfolk County Council, so we can better meet the needs of children and young people.”
A total of 16,345 votes were cast by 11 to 18-year-olds for the MYP elections, which is equivalent to about 21.5% of young people in the county making it the largest paper vote for the demographic yet.
During their time in office, the teenagers will be supported by the council’s participation team.