Two new youth MPs elected for Peterborough reveal their priorities for the city
New youth MPs have been elected for Peterborough after thousands of votes were cast across city schools.
The two new youth MPs for Peterborough are Benjamin Geldart and Angel Mukasa.
Benjamin is 14 and attends Arthur Mellows Village College, and Angel is 13 and attends St John Fisher Catholic High School.
More than 9,000 votes were cast by 14 schools across the city - Benjamin got 1955 votes, and Angel got 1085 votes.
A spokesperson for Peterborough City Council said: “The returning officer on the day (Monday, 30 March) at Sand Martin House was our chief executive Matt Gladstone, who also congratulated the two outgoing Youth MPs Danielle Daboh and Pranav Aggarwal for their work over the past two years.”
Angel’s priorities include pledging to get young people with mental health problems faster access to help by getting a dedicated school counsellor in every school, and increased financial support.
She said: “One in every five young people aged 8-16 have a probable mental health condition, yet many wait months for support. Every young person should get fast access to mental health help in schools, feel safe from bullying online and offline, and truly belong. I’ll push for every school to have a dedicated counsellor trained in anti-bullying response and diverse needs.”
Angel also talks about child poverty, free school meals and other family support measures.
Benjamin’s priorities are helping reduce homelessness for children at risk in Peterborough, and tackling rising university costs.
He said: “Did you know that Peterborough’s rate of homelessness is double the national average? In the UK 172,000 children live in temporary accommodation and over 18,000 16-24 year-olds said they experience, or are at risk of homelessness. I will help to reduce homelessness, lift them out of poverty and create a brighter future.”
Benjamin also said he aims to tackle “rising university costs”, adding: “Going for a degree in university can now cost tens of thousands of pounds, even though in the 1970s university was free. If you vote for me I will campaign for free university for everyone.”
The UK Youth Parliament elections took place between16–20 March in Peterborough. Benjamin and Angel beat off competition from eight other candidates to secure their roles.