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Darlington's Mayor and newly-elected MYP, Emily Christer.

There were four extremely nervous young people in the Dolphin Centre on the evening of Monday 3rd March, as the results of the 2008 United Kingdom Youth Parliament Elections for Darlington were announced.

Jenny Richmond and Nick Barnard from Hurworth School, Emily Christer from Hummersknott School and Language College and Carl Hardman from The Education Village eagerly anticipated the announcement of which one of them is Darlington's new MYP, succeeding Ashleigh Trevarrow who was elected in 2006 after being made Deputy in 2005.

The number of candidates was originally nineteen in October, which was whittled down to seven in December and finally reduced to the four awaiting the outcome.

All of the candidates were extremely nervous before the results were announced, they had their fingers crossed and the support of their friends and families around them. When it came to the announcement from Chris McEwan, Darlington Council's Cabinet Member for Children and Young People, the tension was high.

Darlington's new MYP with 1285 votes is 16 year-old Emily Christer. However, the other votes got muddled-up and the wrong Deputy was announced. "It's a bit odd isn't it? When they rang, I thought they had made a mistake." Said Emily. It has now been decided that all three of the other candidates will be Deputies, including Jenny Richmond, who had originally been announced as coming second.

"I don't know what to say...I'm a bit shell-shocked, gob-smacked and flabbergasted. I wasn't gonna come!" said Emily, Darlington's new Member of Youth Parliament, whom incidentally, doesn't like rats or peas! Her main aim is to develop a radio station to get young people aware of more things to do and to make Darlington a more communal place, getting rid of stereotypes. "I'm so excited" she added.

One of Darlington's new Deputy MYPs, Jenny Richmond said, "How do I feel? I don't really know! Excited! I want to make Darlington a more kid-friendly place, give it more security, so kids can go out on a night time, so they can walk the dog or hang out with mates without it turning into a fight."

Darlington's Mayor, Marian Swift said, "It is wonderful to see young people getting involved in the democratic process and it is a good start to their future lives. I think Emily will do an extremely good job and she is a fine follower from Ashleigh. The campaign has been an emotional roller coaster and the other candidates should feel just as proud to have made it this far."

Chris McEwan added, "I think it really demonstrates that young people are interested in democracy which ain't a bad thing for the town. I am confident Emily can do a good job."

Ashleigh Trevarrow said "Be realistic, don't think you can change the world in a few months, it takes a long time and a lot of hard work. You need a lot of enthusiasm and to keep your head on your shoulders. Keep it real! I hope they enjoy it as much as I have and good luck to them."

In reaction to Ashleigh's support Emily said "I think everything that she did was amazing, I'd rather carry on her legacy than be intimidated by it, I regard her as a friend, so I think we could work together." I asked Emily how she would be celebrating after tonight's result, "I've got science coursework to do! My Science teacher has given me 22 detentions!"

We shall be gladly following the progress of our new MYP and Deputy MYPs in which will be no doubt, be a highly successful and refreshing two years. Congratulations Emily, Carl, Jenny and Nick!

Written by Liam P Spencer.

Photograph by Jessica Hopper.

8:11pm Sunday 9th March 2008

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