Bury’s young people have been voting for a representative and deputies to the “Youth Parliament”. Record numbers of young people aged 11 to 18 – some 7,869 – cast their vote on March 5.

With 1,887 votes, the winner was Umar Mukhtar (aged 17), of Holy Cross College. He defeated 12 rivals to become Bury’s Member of Youth Parliament (MYP), taking over from Catherine Rawsthorne who steps down after two years. Elected as his two deputies are Andrew Gregoriou (aged 16) of Castlebrook High School, and Ruth Hatton (aged 17) of Holy Cross College.

Bury is entitled to one Member of Youth Parliament (MYP) and two deputies, who represent the views of Bury young people at UKYP meetings. UKYP comprises elected representatives from every local authority in the country. Members of UKYP campaign to make positive changes for other young people across the country. Bury’s representatives will debate with young people locally, at North West regional meetings, and nationally at the UKYP annual sitting.