BUDDING politicians have come forward as candidates in a bid to represent Darlington in the UK Youth Parliament 2020 elections.

Manifestos have been prepared and campaigning has begun in the quest to urge young people to cast their vote in the election, set to take place from 24 February to 28 February with the count at Darlington Town Hall on Monday, March 2.

Elliot Cook, 14, from Hummersknott Academy, is campaigning for a student discount card, mental health support, and a 10am start to ease pressure on students.

Holly Johnson, 12, from Longfield Academy, is campaigning to stop homelessness, stopping racism and a change to curriculum to include better preparation for adult life - such as tax, budgeting and car insurance.

Rowan Edwards, 11, from Longfield Academy, is campaigning for Darlington to become carbon neutral by 2030, free leisure cards for under 18s and to create an official E-sports team.

Aiden Foster, 16, from Queen Elizabeth Sixth Form, is campaigning for improved mental health support, removing stigma around poorer students by introducing school uniform recycling, and to make schools more environmentally friendly.

Ellie Rush, 14, from Longfield Academy, is campaigning for compulsory work experience, LGBTQ+ awareness and education, and to make schools more eco-friendly and energy efficient.

Layla Young, 11, from Longfield Academy, is campaigning for greater support on mental health, giving the vote for 16 and 17-year-olds and encouraging recycling while discouraging single-use plastics and littering.

Sam Cordey, 14, from St Aidan's Academy, is campaigning to reduce the amount of litter and rubbish, provide more activities for young people and help to prevent crime amongst teens.

Anyone aged 11 to 18-years-old who either lives or is educated in Darlington can vote and ballot boxes will be located in secondary schools, colleges and other education providers.

The role will include meeting MPs and local councillors, holding events and running campaigns.

Current Youth MP Francis Humble, said: “I'm very pleased to see we have a fantastic group of candidates running to be the next MYP in Darlington. The future of our town is in good hands, no matter what the outcome.”

Councillor Paul Crudass, Darlington Borough Council’s Cabinet Member for Children and Young People, said: “It is heart-warming to see the passion and awareness these young people have about the issues facing, not just young people, but all of us today, and that they see politics as a way to push for change.

“This is a wonderful opportunity to get involved with politics at a high level and I wish them all the very best of luck in the forthcoming elections. In addition, I urge young people from across the borough to take time to consider what each candidate is offering and make their vote count.”