Youth Member of Parliament Elections 2026
Jasmine Kwok, left, Simi Adebanjo, right. Elected 2026 - 2028
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 two new Youth Members of Parliament happen every 2 years.
We have a maximum of 10 candidates who participate in training around the role of a Youth MP, learning about local democracy in Bolton and create their manifesto points and speeches used throughout the election period. Participating high schools and colleges across Bolton facilitate student voting, with support from Bolton Council Participation and Engagement Team, with online voting available for young people who are home schooled. After two weeks, the votes are gathered and counted, and the two newly elected Bolton Youth MPs are announced.
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.
Quotes from current Bolton Youth MPs
Hi! I’m Jasmine and I am one of your two youth members of parliament for Bolton.
I have always had a passion for youth voice as I have witnessed how young people are often seen as less mature, less capable and less deserving of a voice in decisions that affect them the most. Yet, there are so many amazing and inspiring young people who are frustrated and concerned about various different topics and have brilliant ideas to share. Having been involved in Bolton Youth Council for two years, this is especially true.
During my time as your representative, I aim to work on my two manifestos: safety in Bolton and misinformation/political literacy. By working with our local council, regional organisations and getting involved in national events, I’ll bring your voice and your concerns to the decision-makers, making sure that we young people can make a difference. If you would also like to get involved in youth voice or would like to contact me or Simi, please feel free to join Bolton Youth Council or reach out to us on our Bolton Youth MP Instagram account!
My name is Simi. I am one of Bolton’s youth MPs. Over the past year or so, I have developed a greater interest in the political world both in the UK and globally and so applying for the role of Bolton’s youth MP was one that I could not resist.
It is evident that young people are being spoken about a lot in the political world, yet they aren’t really being spoken to, and I want to change that. Being Bolton’s youth MP, I want the young people of Bolton to know that they have a place to take their worries and concerns, as well as the things they like about Bolton.
As Bolton’s youth MP, I aim to petition for free weekend bus passes for all students and youth between 11 to 18, as well as encouraging more local shops and businesses to provide student discounts. Overall, I want to make life more convenient and accessible for young people in Bolton.
If young people have any questions or concerns that they want to bring to me, I encourage you all to reach out via Bolton Council or feel free to leave a comment on the Bolton youth MP Instagram, and Jasmine and I will do our best to respond.
YMP Thank You Video
What happens in Bolton?
From 2024 to 2026, the previous Bolton Youth MPs, Shalom Wondium and Muhammed Ammaar Nasir, were extremely proactive and involved in several projects, campaigns, events and consultations. They 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 were: 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.
The current Bolton Youth MPs are enthusiastic, focused, and ready to make a meaningful impact during their two year term. It will be exciting to watch their journey unfold and see what they accomplish next...