Young people across Surrey have elected seven Members of Youth Parliament (MYPs) in the 2026 Surrey youth elections.\u00a0\u00a0In a strong demonstration of youth participation in local democracy, an incredible 4,810 young people voted in the elections \u2013 a 78% increase compared to 2024, and sixteen young people stood \u2013 more than double the number who stood in 2024.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n
The MYPs will\u00a0represent\u00a0the views of young people across Surrey for the next two years at a regional and national level. To align with Local Government\u00a0Reorganisation, which will see Surrey move to East and West unitary authorities in 2027, four MYPs were elected in West Surrey and three in East Surrey.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n
Alongside electing their representatives, young people voted on the issues they want MYPs to champion. The top themes were education (particularly preparing for adulthood) and crime and safety (particularly violence against women and girls).\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n
Cllr Helyn Clack, Cabinet Member for Children, Families and Lifelong Learning, said: \u201cI want to offer my warmest congratulations to our seven newly elected Members of\u00a0Youth\u00a0Parliament. Our MYPs play a vital role in inspiring and empowering young people from every background to take an interest in civic life and to see themselves as active contributors to their communities. They\u00a0demonstrate\u00a0the power of\u00a0youth\u00a0voice by showing how young people can influence decisions, champion positive change, and engage in thoughtful, constructive debate,\u00a0ultimately helping\u00a0to build stronger, fairer communities for everyone.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cI wish them every success in their roles and look forward to seeing the meaningful impact they will undoubtedly make over the next two years.\u201d\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n
Surrey County Council has extended\u00a0sincere\u00a0thanks to the outgoing MYPs Alex, Abi, Evie, Oli,\u00a0Myra\u00a0and Pranav. Their dedication,\u00a0advocacy\u00a0and leadership have made a significant impact locally and nationally. Their achievements include:\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n
Chairing the Votes at 16 committee for the UK Youth Parliament, bringing Surrey\u2019s young voices to national democratic reform debates.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n
Campaigning for Period Dignity: raising awareness of period poverty, advocating for free product access and challenging stigma in schools and communities.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n
Outgoing MYP Alex Nurton said: \u201cBeing elected as a Member of\u00a0Youth\u00a0Parliament was really a changing point in my life.\u00a0I\u2019ve\u00a0been privileged to have had so many opportunities, including speaking in the House of Commons and being interviewed on the news. It is truly something I will look at with the fondest of memories, getting to\u00a0represent\u00a0young people in Surrey along with all the friends\u00a0I\u2019ve\u00a0met.\u201d\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n
The work of the outgoing MYPs has strengthened youth representation across Surrey, and they leave a legacy for the new MYPs, who will continue their important work.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n
For more information about the new MYPs, follow\u00a0@ourvoicesurrey\u00a0on Instagram.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n
Notes to editors\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n
About Surrey Youth Council\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n
The Surrey Youth Council is a participation group for young people to share their feedback. They raise topics of discussion and work on campaigns and projects. The Surrey Youth Cabinet is part of the Surrey Youth\u00a0Council, and\u00a0shares the views of young people in Surrey with decision-makers including\u00a0councillors,\u00a0mayors\u00a0and MPs. .\u00a0They are a group of elected members with specific roles and\u00a0responsibilities:\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n
Chair and Deputy Chair, who plan and lead meetings\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n
Young Mayor and Deputy Young Mayor, who support young people through public events and charities, and by funding community projects\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n
11 Portfolio Holders, each with responsibility for leading on specific areas of feedback\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n
Members of Youth Parliament (MYPs), who\u00a0represent\u00a0the views of Youth Council and their wider constituents at a regional and national level.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n
Young people can find out more about the Surrey Youth Council and Cabinet here:\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n