York pupils Joe Feeney and Joe Armer in Youth Parliament success (From York Press)

York pupils Joe Feeney and Joe Armer in Youth Parliament success

8:17am Friday 10th July 2009

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SEVEN young would-be politicians took to the hustings as candidates for the UK Youth Parliament.

The seven were all vying to be the first York members of the parliament and to represent the interests of the city’s youth on a national level.

In the chambers of City of York Council all seven gave a speech in front of their peers who questioned them and then voted for their preferred choice.

The winner, and York’s first representative to the Youth Parliament, was named as 17-year-old Joe Feeney, of Poppleton, who attends All Saints’ School, with 15-year-old Joe Armer, of Millthorpe School, being voted in as his deputy.

The new Member of the UK Youth Parliament, who rows for York and Yorkshire, said it was a great responsibility and that if there was just one issue he would raise with the Government it would be that of free school dinners and free fares on public transport for young people.

But he also said the perception of young people was wrong and they are either labelled or shunned rather than being listened to and respected as the future generation.

Speaking after he was elected he said: “What’s brilliant is that the young people of York have someone to represent them on a national and regional level. I’m overjoyed to be the member and will work hard, get my head down and make sure everyone’s grievances are addressed. It’s a brilliant opportunity for young people in York.”

He also said the fact there were seven candidates, the youngest of whom was 12, showed that young people in York wanted to make a difference and that he and his deputy would work with everyone to bring positive change.

Coun Carol Runciman, City of York Council’s portfolio holder for children and young people’s services who chaired the event, said: “I’m delighted that we have elected the first interim member of the Youth Parliament. All the candidates gave an excellent speech and I know those who were elected will represent the city at a national level in a strong and convincing way.”