Meet South Tyneside's New Member of Youth Parliament

A South Tyneside student is set to make a difference to the lives of young people across the Borough after being elected to the UK Youth Parliament.  

Jack Johnston, a student at Harton Academy was named South Tyneside's Member of Youth Parliament with 1255 votes while Connor Sinclair was elected as Deputy MYP. More than 3500 young people from across the Borough cast their vote in the elections which featured five shortlisted candidates. Jack said: "I'm feeling really excited about being elected as the new MYP. It was nerve wracking waiting for the results, but it was a great feeling when the announcement came in.

"One of the main focuses of my campaign was around reducing the voting age to 16, that's something I'm really passionate about. Climate change is also the focus for 2020 so I'm really interested in finding out more about that.

"I am happy to help with any issues people may have and can't wait for the first youth parliament, to meet everyone and get started."

In his new role, Jack will lead on campaigns, speak out on issues that affect young people and attend events in the House of Commons.

The Mayor of South Tyneside, Councillor Norman Dick, said: "Our new Member of the UK Youth Parliament will make sure that the voices of young people across the Borough are heard and that issues which matter to South Tyneside's young people are championed.

"Being a Member of the UK Youth Parliament provides a wonderful opportunity for our young people to influence debate around the issues that affect the younger generation."

The UK Youth Parliament has previously campaigned on issues such as poverty and LGBT.

Councillor Moira Smith, Lead Member for Children, Young People and Families, said: "It was a pleasure to announce the result of today's MYP Election. The young people gave passionate and articulate speeches and should be really proud of their performance.

"With over 3500 votes cast by young people from across the borough it shows a strong appetite for having their say - this bodes well for democracy in the borough."