Young people living and learning in Enfield’s schools, colleges and youth centres have elected a new Youth Parliament for the next two years.

Organised by Enfield Council, the results of this third election were announced on Friday 27 November to an eager audience of young candidates, their parents and supporters at St Anne’s Lower School in Enfield Town.

Seventeen schools and colleges and three youth centres conducted elections over a three- week period with 56 candidates issuing statements and appearing at hustings to hear from their electors during their campaigns.

Acting as returning officer for the results evening Cllr Ayfer Orhan, Enfield Council’s Cabinet Member for Education, Children’s Services & Protection, congratulated each successful candidate and pledged to listen to them.

She said, “We want to hear from our young people and the youth parliament gives them a platform. It is an important contributor to council decisions affecting Enfield’s youth – they are our future.

“This parliament represents 80,000 young people living in Enfield and also sends representatives to take part in the national UK Youth Parliament. I wish them every success.”

The new parliament will be meeting in January to elect a chair and plan their work programme for the year.

Departing leader, 17 year old Kwame Osei Owusu said: “Taking part in the Enfield Youth Parliament has given me confidence to express the views and ideas of young people. We were able to input into the council’s budget consultation and raise our concerns.

“What you put into the Parliament is what you get out of it. Although it is hard work it is really worthwhile.”