Youth Member of Parliament Elections 2026.
Elections are live between Tuesday 10th February and Thursday 12th March 2026, you can vote for your two new Youth MPs at your Secondary School or College Ballot Box.
Our Commitment to youth voice
As part of our commitment to youth voice and encouraging young people to become active democratic citizens we are committed in Bolton to supporting young people to have a national voice through UK Youth Parliament, as such elections for our two new Youth Members of Parliament are happening throughout the period outlined above.
We have 10 Youth MP Candidates this year who are currently taking part in training around the role of a Youth MP, learning about local democracy in Bolton and creating their manifesto points and speeches.
What is UK Youth Parliament?
Established 25 years ago, the UK Youth Parliament is made up of more than 300 young people aged between 11 and 18 years, elected as Youth Members of Parliament to represent the views of their peers. It provides opportunities for young people to bring about social change through meaningful representation and campaigning. Young people vote for their Youth MPs in elections every two years, which are held in over 70% of constituencies, and often in schools. Funded through a grant from the Department of Culture, Media and Sport, the UK Youth Parliament brings young people into the policymaking and parliamentary process, with direct access to decision makers.
What does a Youth MP do?
Once elected a Youth MP will find out the concerns, interests and needs of other young people in their area and then discuss these on a local, regional and national level. Youth MPs meet councillors, MPs and other key decision makers to take forward issues of local importance. Youth MPs across the UK work to give young people a voice by listening to marginalised groups, organising events, making films, meeting MPs, lobbying for change, organising campaigns and appearing in the media, all to amplify the views of their peers. They will also attend regional meetings and meet with the UK Youth Parliament at the House of Commons.
What happens in Bolton?
Over the past two years, the current Bolton Youth MPs, Shalom Wondiam and Muhammed Ammaar Nasir, have been extremely proactive and involved in several projects, campaigns, events and consultations. The Youth MPs have worked in Partnership with Bolton Youth Council, Voice4U, Council Senior Leaders, Elected Members, Safeguarding Children’s Partnership, NHS Greater Manchester, Bolton Together, Bolton Public Health, ICB, BBC Newsround and so many more. Some of their highlights are: Attending the Annual Sitting at the House of Commons Working on and delivering their manifestos, Pass The Read To Those In Need and Decrease Violence in Schools. Attending the YOFO residentials. Planning and hosting World Mental Health Day Events. Taking part in an interview for national news on the importance of youth voice. Opening the Bolton Food and Drink Festival.
Why should young people vote?
UKYP ensures that young people in the UK are given a voice on any issue that affects them. Voting gives young people an opportunity to be involved in a democratic process at a national level, and empowers them to take positive action within their local communities based upon issues of shared concern. We urge pupils from every school and colleges in Bolton to take part in this year's election and exercise their right to vote to encourage positive change.