On Saturday 4th March 2017 it was announced that 14 year old Harry Bates, a pupil of Highfield Leadership Academy, had been victorious in Blackpool’s recent Member of Youth Parliament

(MYP) election. Harry based his campaign on: curriculum that prepares you for life; campaign for affordable spaces for young people and free funding for local sport activities to keep people healthy and active. This helped secure him 179 votes, representing 39.9% of the vote. He is following in the succession of Jake Adams, 18 years old, who has faithfully served in his position for two years. Connor Danson, 16, who attends Blackpool Sixth form, was elected Blackpool’s Deputy Member of Youth Parliament (DMYP) with 156 votes, representing 34.7% of the total vote.

Jake Adams- Outgoing MYP:
“I’m honoured to have served as your MYP for the last two years. I hope that during my term I have made a real difference for the young people of Blackpool and made it easier for young people to express their views. I wish good luck to Harry and Connor in their roles”

Harry Bates- Newly elected MYP:
Twitter: @harrybatesmyp
“Following on from the election result I feel it’s vital for me and Connor to honour our election promises. One of these we both agree on is a curriculum for life.”

Connor Danson- Newly elected DMYP:
Twitter: @connor_dmyp
“As DMYP, I will be dedicated to getting the voices of young people heard and fulfilling my manifesto goals. I hope to improve the lives of young people across Blackpool and make a difference.”