Young people across Norfolk are being offered the opportunity to gain the experience, understanding, and skills necessary to make a real difference by applying for a seat in the Norfolk Youth Parliament
Norfolk County Council is calling on aspiring future councillors and/or Parliamentarians aged 11 to 18 to stand for election. The initiative offers a chance to represent their peers, impact decision-making at all levels, and gain valuable experience in politics and public service more widely.
Members of the Youth Parliament (MYPs) work with/alongside local councillors, MPs, and youth organisations. There, they can effectively advocate for the issues that matter most to young people. Areas including education, cost of living, mental health, climate change, and wider social equality.
Successful candidates will also be included in visiting parties to the UK House of Commons, national youth conferences, and various local government events.
Youth Parliament members are elected every two years through a democratic process open to all 11–18-year-olds living or studying in Norfolk. The council’s Participation Team will provide full support to help candidates run their campaigns — from crafting persuasive messages to connecting with other young voters.
Cllr Penny Carpenter, Cabinet Member for Children’s Services, said:
“Youth Parliament is a powerful platform for young voices and helps inform key decisions at Norfolk County Council to better meet the needs of children and young people. I look forward to meeting the new members and listening to their thoughts on current issues.”
All costs associated with the role, including transport, will be covered by the council, ensuring the opportunity is open to everyone regardless of background.
Past experience from previous MYPs shows that while the whole thing can be hard work, it is ultimately interesting, rewarding, and worthwhile.
In 2024 Sophia Paffett, who was a year 12 student at Springwood High School, swept to victory in her election with a majority of 2,322 votes. This gave her the opportunity to represent West Norfolk in the UK Youth Parliament.
“I had to run a campaign against three other candidates in the area,” explained Ms Paffett.
“We all had to attend debriefings on how to run our campaign, then we all shot a video talking about why we would like to be elected, what skills we have, and what we hope to achieve.
“For me, this is the one of the most exciting things to happen to me,
“It allows me to actually solve problems, even if they are small ones. Additionally, it gives me experience in the field…talk to councillors, partake in work experience, sit in on select committees, and partake or sit in on important debates.”
“I am currently pursuing a future in politics, and this will give me the ability to actually make a difference and shape the world around me.”
Applications are open until Friday 7 November, and young people can apply online via the Norfolk County Council website. No prior experience is needed — just enthusiasm, commitment, and a passion for change.
Those interested can find more details or seek support by contacting rebekah.wakefield@norfolk.gov.uk and potential applicants can apply here.
For young people ready to make their voices heard, this is a chance to gain an understanding at an early age that could go on to shape Norfolk’s future.
