Dorset's newest Youth Parliament members pledge support for gender equality and better rural transport

After weeks of campaigning by 12 contenders and votes by some 14,000 young people, the four successful candidates were announced on Friday in a ceremony at County Hall, Dorchester.

UK Youth Parliament provides opportunities for 11 to 18 year olds to use their voice to bring about social change through representation and campaigning.

The new Members of the Youth Parliament (MYPs) are:

* Laurence Hayward, 15, of Sturminster Newton High School

* Rory Baird,18, of The Gryphon School in Sherborne

Their deputies are:

* Matthew Parslow,15, of Queen Elizabeth’s Upper School, Wimborne Minster

* Stasia Smith, 14, of Ferndown Upper School

The role of the MYPs is to represent Dorset on a regional and national basis, and to help engage young people in politics, democracy and citizenship. They will also deliver their own personal manifestos to improve the lives of young people.

Laurence is set to campaign for gender equality, to find better ways for young people to deal with exam stress and to fight for the youth voice to be listened to. Rory says he wants to increase the number of job opportunities for young people, to raise awareness of post-18 options which don’t include universities and to make transport available more frequently and to more rural locations.

Their six week campaign for votes began on December 18, and voting took place in participating schools from January 29 to February 1. 27,840 votes were cast in total, with the voting process managed by Dorset County Council.

Deborah Croney, cabinet member for education, learning and skills, said: “It’s fantastic that so many young people are passionate about making Dorset a better place.

“I’m sure the successful candidates will do an excellent job in representing the aspirations of youngsters across the county. I look forward to seeing them debating in the Houses of Parliament and supporting them to deliver their manifestos here in Dorset.”