A NEWLY-ELECTED youth MP and her deputy have got down to their first official business by meeting the most powerful councillors in her town.

Jess Hugill, 16, a pupil at Conyers School in Yarm, was recently elected as Stockton borough's member of the Youth Parliament, and held a meeting with members of Stockton Borough Council's cabinet, including leader of the council Bob Cook.

She was accompanied by her Deputy, Kushan Bhardwaj, 15, of St Patrick’s Catholic College in Thornaby, who came second in the poll.

The two aspiring politicians were welcomed to the Municipal Buildings by the Leader of Stockton Council, Cllr Bob Cook, and the Council’s Deputy Leader, Cllr Jim Beall. Two Cabinet members were also in attendance to welcome the youngsters, as Cllr Ann McCoy and Cllr David Harrington congratulated the pair on their recent election success.

Among the issues discussed were employment prospects for young people, the living wage and how to improve the level of engagement with young people from across Stockton borough.

Jess said: “It was great to meet the councillors and Kushan to start to form the basis of some ideas about where would like to go and what we would like to do. It’s good to start working with them so soon. We discussed some big issues but we are looking to take little steps at first because little steps can make a big difference.”

Kushan said: “The meeting was a great opportunity to get to know the councillors and also to meet Jess as we will all be working together. It was great to give information and get information on our new MYP roles because we will need the council’s help.”