Young people who are in the running to represent the London Borough of Hillingdon at this year’s UK Youth Parliament are campaigning for votes.
Hillingdon Council has been organising opportunities for the candidates to give speeches explaining their manifestos at local schools.
Last month the candidates visited Swakeleys School in Clifton Gardens, Hillingdon to introduce themselves at a school council meeting. Some of them also showed campaign videos they had made.
Photo-gallery: Meet Hillingdon's youth parliament candidates
Councillor David Simmonds, Deputy Leader of Hillingdon Council and Cabinet Member for Education and Children’s Services, said: “I was 22 years old when I was elected for the first time and I am a firm believer that young people have a lot to offer the world of politics.
“It is wonderful to see them take part in Hillingdon’s UK Youth Parliament elections as they give young people a deeper understanding of how democracy works and an insight into what their voting priorities are. This experience will stand them in good stead when they turn 18 and can vote in national, local and European elections."
Voting begins at 8am on February 24 and ends on February 28 at 4pm.
In order to vote, young people should visit young.hillingdon.gov.uk, follow the Youth Parliament link and enter the voting code they will receive from school.
The two candidates with the most votes will become Hillingdon’s UK Youth Parliament representatives in 2014, and the person who comes third will be their deputy.
The UK Youth Parliament was established in 1999 to help young people’s opinions on important issues reach a wider audience. Hillingdon Council is one of many local authorities that support it.
