Members of Youth Parliament elected for Stockton-on-Tees
Two Members of Youth Parliament for Stockton-on-Tees have been elected.
Alexandra-Nicola Bulanova-Spink, 15 and Witness Ikah, 18 were confirmed as the Two Members of Youth Parliament (MYPS) in the Youth Council's first meeting, which took place on Tuesday (14 JULY).
MYPs meet with MPs and local councillors, organise events, run campaigns, make speeches, hold debates and ensure the views of young people are listened to by decision makers locally and nationally.
Martha Kay, 16, was also elected Chair of Youth Council with Caleb Watson, 15, elected as Vice Chair.
Their roles involve working with local councillors, businesses, MPs and making decisions that require a vote on behalf of Bright Minds Big Futures (BMBF) and support the work of the group.
Bright Minds Big Futures is an award-winning youth-led movement, working together with the Council to make the Borough a great place to grow up.
Alexandra-Nicola Bulanova-Spink, MYP, said: "I have been preparing for this since moment since 2024. I'm really into politics and trying to improve our future. I was really happy when I heard I had been elected.
"I think Witness and I will look to bring positive change to the Borough. One of my points was for mental health to not just be a tick box on paper because that's what I've experienced and I just got sick and tired of it.
"I looked into how this could be improved. If we had more accessible spaces that's how we could improve mental health because more people could get together, be friends and look to improve each other's mental health.
Witness Ikah, MYP, said: "I believe I am prepared for this role. When I heard my name, it was clear that my fellow councillors had faith in me.
"It's really nice to see all of the good things that have happened in the Borough and how I can now be part of it. I'm very proud."
Ten young people aged between 11 to 18-years-old make up the Stockton-on-Tees Youth Council who live, work, study, or volunteer in Stockton-on-Tees for at least 14 hours per week.
The Youth Council consists of one Chair, one Deputy Chair, two Members of Youth Parliament (MYP) and one Deputy MYP. The rest of the Youth Councillors are allocated projects throughout their two-year terms.
Councillor Lisa Evans, Leader of Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council, said: "Members of the Youth Council and Members of Youth Parliament are important roles that carry great responsibility and I am sure our new representatives will strive to be the dedicated voices of the young people of Stockton-on-Tees.
"The members should all be incredibly proud of what they have achieved. Through their work, they will ensure that young people's views are represented at the highest levels of decision making.
"For many years, Bright Minds Bright Futures (BMBF) has empowered people in the Borough to bring fresh ideas, energy and enthusiasm to the Council and I am looking forward to how we can work together with them.
"Never underestimate the impact your voice can have on change, I wish our young people every success in their new roles."
Councillor Clare Besford, the Council's Cabinet Member for Children and Young People, said: "I'm extremely proud of all the Members of the Youth Council and Members of Youth Parliament. Having been involved from the very beginning, I know firsthand how hard they've all been working and how passionate they are towards representing the young voices of Stockton-on-Tees.
"I'm excited to see their innovative ideas and I wish of all our young people the very best of luck in their roles."
Alexandra-Nicola Bulanova-Spink is educated at home, Witness Ikah and Martha Kay go to Conyers School and Caleb Watson goes to Our Lady and St Bede Catholic Academy in Stockton.
