York Welcomes Two New Youth Parliament Representatives

It seems like big changes are afoot for the young people of York, and it's all thanks to a recent online election that got everyone talking. The results are in, and the city has two new, passionate representatives ready to speak up on the national stage. After an impressive turnout, the City of York Council announced on 16th March 2026 that Will has been chosen as the new Member of Youth Parliament (MYP), with William stepping into the role of Deputy Member of Youth Parliament (DMYP). This is a pretty big deal, as these roles involve making sure the voices of the youth in York are heard not just locally, but all the way in Westminster.

A new voice for York's youth

So, what does being a Member of Youth Parliament actually mean? It’s not just about attending meetings; it's about being a genuine voice for everyone under 18 in the city. Will and William will be the go-to people for representing the views of York's youth on a local, regional, and even national level. One of the most exciting parts of the job is the annual sitting of the Youth Parliament, which takes place in the House of Commons. Yep, the very same place where the Prime Minister debates. It gives young people a proper platform to discuss issues that matter to them, and these new representatives will be right there in the thick of it.

The recent election saw a fantastic level of engagement, showing that the young people across the city are keen to get involved in politics and make a difference. This is exactly what the City of York Council was hoping to see. Councillor Bob Webb, who is the Executive Member for Children, Young People and Education, was full of praise for the enthusiasm shown during the election campaigns. He noted the fresh energy and sense of responsibility that both Will and William will bring. The council is ready to provide full support as they begin their important work. These representatives will serve two-year terms, from 2026 to 2028, giving them plenty of time to get stuck in and create change.

Meet the new representatives

The two new faces leading the charge are clearly raring to go. Will, the newly elected Member of Youth Parliament, was quick to thank everyone who took part in the election. He said, “Thank you to everyone that voted in the MYP Election, it was great to see so many young people getting involved in Youth Politics. I am really excited to continue my work as MYP for the next 2 years where I, DMYP William and the rest of York Youth Council will be able to create a lot of great change for the young people in our city. I am looking forward to getting started immediately!”

Working alongside him is William, the new Deputy Member of Youth Parliament, or DMYP. His role is to support Will and the wider York Youth Council. He echoed the sentiment, saying, "Thank you to everyone who voted in the election and used your voice. In my role as Deputy Member of Youth Parliament I’ll be supporting Youth Council in their continued efforts to improve the lives of young people in York". It’s clear they see themselves as a team, ready to work with the existing Youth Council to champion important causes for the youth of York.

So, what's on the agenda?

A good representative needs a solid plan, and Will won the election with a clear and ambitious 5-point manifesto. This isn't just a list of vague promises; it’s a practical roadmap for what he wants to achieve for the city of York. His plans focus on issues that really matter to young people right now. Think about it, these are things you might chat about with your mates, and now someone is planning to take them to the people in charge.

Here’s a breakdown of what Will’s manifesto promises to tackle:

• Tackling youth vaping: Working directly with York's Director of Public Health to get a handle on the rise of vaping among young people.

• Better access to information: Making sure every young person in the city knows exactly where to find reliable info about mental health services and local youth clubs. No more endless searching online for help or a place to hang out.

• Safer streets at night: Pushing for better street lighting across the city. The goal is simple, to make sure everyone feels safer when walking home in the dark.

• More youth events: Building on the success of the first York Youth Fest by organising at least three more events during the 2026/27 term. More fun, more community.

• A proper budget for the Youth Council: Securing a dedicated bank account and budget for the York Youth Council. This gives the council more independence and power to run its own projects and campaigns.

Support from the council and how to get involved

Of course, Will and William won't be doing all this alone. They will have the full backing of the York Youth Council and the Communities Team at the City of York Council. This teamwork is what will help turn their manifesto ideas into reality. The York Youth Council will keep working closely with both the MYP and DMYP throughout their terms.

And the best part? Any young person in York who feels inspired by this can get involved too. The York Youth Council is always looking for new members who want to make a difference. If you have ideas, want to join campaigns, or just want your voice heard, you can get in touch. You can send an email to yorkyouthcouncil@york.gov.uk to find out more.