Shropshire Star

Abbey named the first youth MP in region

A Newtown student has made history by becoming Montgomeryshire's first youth parliament member.

Published

Abbey Carter was elected following a vote held at the Senedd in Cardiff, and is joined by Grace Barton of Tregynon, who is a partner elected member, for the inaugural youth parliament for Wales.

In total, 60 youngsters aged 11 to 18 are elected as members, with 40 of them earning a place through a vote held in November.

The remaining 20 are elected by young people from partner organisations.

The pair will work to make young people's voices in Wales heard, and to raise awareness and debate important issues at two sessions per year.

The girls have been congratulated by Montgomeryshire Assembly Member Russell George, who said: "I would like to congratulate Abbey and Grace on their election and well done to all of those young people who put themselves forward for election.

"I hope that the youth parliament will serve to increase youth participation in devolved politics and encourage a higher voter turnout."

A Hansard Society report published in 2014 revealed that just 16 per cent of 18 to 24-year-olds said they would vote in an election, compared to the 58 per cent who said they would be prepared to vote if they felt strongly about an issue.

Mr George added he will be engaging with the local members about issues in the area.

He added: "Through Abbey, Grace and other Youth Parliament Members, Montgomeryshire’s children and young people are given the opportunity to have their say on issues that matter to them, and to ensure that politicians and other decision makers listen to their voices.

"I look forward to working with Abbey on her priorities including Mental Health, Education and the Welsh Language and Grace's priorities which include discrimination, championing young carers' voices and raising awareness of young carers' rights.

“Early engagement is critical to embedding the importance of the democratic process to tomorrow’s electorate.

“Establishing a well-resourced youth parliament is a crucial step in ensuring future youth participation in Welsh politics and I hope it goes from strength to strength."