UK Youth Parliament (UKYP)
What is the UK Youth Parliament (UKYP)?
The UK Youth Parliament (UKYP) gives young people aged 11–18 the chance to use their voice to make a difference on the issues that matter most to them. Members of Youth Parliament (MYPs) are elected locally and represent the views of young people in their area at a national level.
Through campaigns, debates, and meetings with decision-makers, MYPs work to influence change on topics such as mental health, education, safety, equality, and the environment.
The UKYP incorporates many different elements in empowering the youth of today in achieving youth leadership and prominence throughout the community.
Every year, MYPs from across the country gather in the House of Commons to debate key issues chosen by young people through the Make Your Mark ballot — the UK’s largest youth consultation.
The UK Youth Parliament is supported by the National Youth Agency (NYA) and aims to amplify young people’s voices, ensuring they are heard by local councils, MPs, and government.
UK Youth Parliament Elections – 2026
Voting open Monday 26th January – Closes Friday 20th February 2026
The next UK Youth Parliament (UKYP) elections in Sandwell will take place from 26th January to 20th February 2026!
In Sandwell, two elected Members of Youth Parliament (MYPs) will represent the voices of young people across our borough — locally, regionally, and nationally.
Help us reach more young voters!
In our 2024 elections, we had an incredible 9,000+ votes — and this time, we want to beat that!
We’re calling on schools, colleges, and youth groups across Sandwell to register as polling stations so every young person can take part and have their say.
Polling station registrations are now open.
Find out more:
For full details about the UK Youth Parliament and election rules, check out the UKYP Rule Book.
Together, let’s make the Sandwell UKYP Elections 2026 the biggest and most inclusive yet!
TAMOY CAMERON – Watch Tamoy’s candidate video
My name is Tamoy, and I believe young people are underestimated in politics. We aren’t too young or immature, I am confident that we are one of the most politically aware generations. I want to help us prove it. Within Sandwell, we need change! We need discounted public transport fares for students! We need safe and engaging youth spaces. We need direct contact between schools and the councils so the youth can have a say. I promise to push for this under my initiative, ‘Create, Collaborate and Accomplish.’ We can create a plan, collaborate on it, and then finally accomplish our goals. A vote for Tamoy is a vote for someone unafraid to challenge when needed, who likes to listen and who deeply cares about our generation.
To Vote for Tamoy Cameron
BRIONY JONES – Watch Briony’s candidate video
Hi, my name is Briony, I’m seventeen years old and I want to become a member of the UKYP. Some of the biggest issues I have seen in young people today pertain to violent acts and this is knife crime and abuse towards women. Why should I be your next representative? I am very passionate about these issues and I want to make this county a better place. As well as this, I have a lot of experience with leadership, as I have worked closely with the council and young people. Thank you for listening, have a good day!
To Vote for Briony Jones
YUSUF HALIM – Watch Yusuf’s candidate video
My name is Yusuf, I am 14 years old and in Year 10. I’m standing to represent young people who feel unheard and fed up with the same problems being ignored. My priorities are mental health, school pressure, and tackling vaping, nitrous oxide, and antisocial behaviour that affect our safety and wellbeing. I also want to break the fear around reporting issues and challenge snitch culture so young people feel protected, not punished. I am a confident speaker, a strong listener, and determined to turn words into action. Vote for me if you want real representation, real change, and real impact.
to Vote for Yusuf Halim
MALIA DAYUS – Watch Malia’s candidate video
Representation. A word so commonly heard, yet often misunderstood. Usually people picture representation as speaking, making decisions. But advocacy is not just for people knowledgeable about politics, or those with the connections to speak at events. Democracy means representation for everyone, any age, any background, and the chance to get involved in a way that’s accessible for you. I plan to demand action on education, crime and political engagement and challenge decision makers and hold them to account in valuing our voices. Vote Malia Dayus for UK Youth Parliament and let’s create a future in which representation is not just speaking, but listening and taking action.
to Vote for Malia Dayus
KYI-SHAY MORTON – Watch Kyi-Shay’s candidate video
My name is Kyi-Shay Morton, I’m 17 and currently studying in my first year of college. my campaign is surrounded around helping make the UK a place where everyone can feel comfortable and be provided with equal opportunities regardless of race, gender, sexuality or domestic background and I plan to do this by targeting issues bullying of LGBTQ youth, racist and sexist commentary from peers and poverty based prejudice . Through my campaign I hope to represent those who are a part of these minoritized communities to feel fairly represented by those who genuinely want to create change for them.
to Vote for Kyi-Shay Morton
ASHAAS KAUR – Watch Ashaas’s candidate video
My name is Ashaas, I am 16 and in Year 12. I am standing to be a Member of Youth Parliament because young people deserve better support and a stronger voice in decisions that affect them. My main priority is improving mental health and wellbeing by making support easier to access, better promoted, and taken seriously. I also want to help young people in Sandwell feel safe, confident, and prepared for their futures, including access to opportunities and guidance. I am approachable, committed, and ready to listen, represent, and stand up for young people across Sandwell.
to Vote for Ashaas Kaur
Make Your Mark – 2024
Sandwell took part in the Make Your Mark national ballot in March 2024 and received 9,771 votes.
The votes were as follows:
- Crime & Safety – 2,288 Votes
- Rights, Equalities & Democracy – 1,475 Votes
- Education & Learning – 1,415 Votes
- Health & Wellbeing – 1,264 Votes
- Jobs, the Economy & Benefits – 920 Votes
- Culture, Media & Sport – 713 Votes
- Youth Work & Young People’s Services – 668 Votes
- Climate Change & The Environment – 377 Votes
- Transport – 341 Votes
- International Relations – 310 Votes
We would like to thank all young people who voted online and in schools, and the schools in Sandwell who took part as polling stations!
We will be sharing the National Make Your Mark ballot results as soon as they are shared.
An Introduction to Parliament for Children & Young People
west midlands police Youth Police and Crime Comissioners Elections
We are really proud to announce our two new Youth Police and Crime Commissioners, Dileena Kaur & Ayelén Martinez
The Youth Commissioners will advise the Police and Crime Commissioner on law and order issues, affecting children and teenagers. They will also be asked to represent the views and stand up for the rights of young people within the police force area.
Each borough in the West Midlands will be represented by two Youth Commissioners, who will serve a two year term and the PCC is asking young people to reach out to their Youth Commissioner, so that their voices are heard.
As well as speaking directly to the PCC, the volunteer Youth Commissioners will liaise with police officers, decision makers and youth organisations about crime, justice and victim services.
