Two young people have been elected to represent the borough of Rochdale as the latest Members of UK Youth Parliament following a borough wide vote.
Ayan Bhuiyan will represent Rochdale and the Pennines, while Matilda Duffy has been elected to represent Heywood and Middleton.
The results were announced at a ceremony held at Rochdale Town Hall in front of friends, family and supporters.
A total of 11 candidates stood across the two constituencies. Campaigns focused on issues including affordable school meals, improved access to support for neurodivergent young people, youth club provision and safety in public spaces and online.
In total, 7,187 ballots were cast in the election, with turnout recorded at 34 per cent. It was the first youth parliament election held in the borough since 2024.
Ayan received 22 per cent of the vote in the Rochdale and Pennines constituency, with 4,456 votes cast in that area. Matilda secured 28.6 per cent of the vote in Heywood and Middleton, where 2,731 ballots were cast.
As Members of Youth Parliament, they will join around 300 representatives from across the country. Their roles include taking part in national debates, engaging with decision makers and chairing local Youth Cabinet meetings. The Youth Cabinet brings together young people aged 11 to 19 to discuss local issues and influence council decisions.
Speaking after the result, Ayan said “Thank you to all my friends and family for the support they have given me.
“I wish to make the borough a safer place as a member of Youth Parliament and I hope to be a great MYP for Rochdale.”
Matilda said “I am very pleased to serve this role and I am truly honoured to be elected.
“I promise to deliver on everything I’ve promised – it’s going to be a great two years, thank you.”
Councillor Rachel Massey, cabinet member for children’s services and education, said “A huge well done to everyone who ran in this year’s elections and a special congratulations to Ayan and Matilda on their winning campaigns.
“Becoming a Member of Youth Parliament is a fantastic first step into politics for tomorrow’s future leaders and it provides a great opportunity for them to shape and influence key decisions that will not only impact their lives, but their peers and future generations to come.
“As young people, it is their fresh perspective on the world which can help to make real change, so I wish them all the very best of luck in their new roles and in flying the flag for our borough.”
Safaa Usman and Madina Zargar were elected as deputy Members of Youth Parliament for Rochdale and the Pennines and for Heywood and Middleton respectively, having received the second highest number of votes in their constituencies.
Former representatives Sarah Orakwue and Hussian Malik, along with deputy members Amelia Stewart and Benedicte Kapiamba, will now step down following the completion of their two year terms.
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