UK Youth Parliament Elections

This Thursday teenagers right across Bath and North East Somerset will have the chance to vote for the person they want to represent them in the UK Youth Parliament.

Now in its 8th year, the UK Youth Parliament is a growing body with represenatives from every Council authority in the United Kingdom.

Here in B&NES we have twenty young people that have put their names forward as candidates (you can view the manifestos here: www.dafby.co.uk) - of which all are extremely skilled and very capable of representing their peers.

For me, it's a great priviledge to have been asked to spend the day at my former school, Writhlington, manning the polling station and trying to encourage as many of the pupils to vote as possible.

More so, because it was with the UK Youth Parliament that I started my political life in 2001 - under the banner of the popular young people's campaign group - DAFBY (Democratic Action for B&NES Youth). Still going strong with almost 40 members, DAFBY is a place that allows young people to learn more about the political process, to take part in the decision-making-processes, and to learn new skills in self-confidence and team-building.

If you are aged 11-18, there is a very good chance you will see a polling station in your school on Thursday. If you do, please go and vote - it can make all the difference!

Sick Tory Activist

I was sickened by the news last week that a youth activist in the Tory Party dressed up as the missing 4-year old Madeliene McCann at a fancy dress party.

What made it even worse is, as well as wearing pink pyjamas and holding a cuddly toy, he painted fake blood onto his face - implying to be the victim of some sort of abuse.

This could be the kind of behaviour we would expect from fascists - but not a member of a mainstream political party that obviously had ambitions to progress up the political ladder.

Anyone who didn't see story can find out more here:

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk_politics/7820727.stm

People of the Year Awards

I am extremely pleased to have been a runner-up in the Politician of the Year category of the first every People of the Year Awards.

This new venture of the Bath Chronicle is a great way to recognise and pay tribute to various people who have, over the past 12 months, worked hard in their communities, work places and particular fields of study.

It brings a smile to my face to see people like Tim & Sharon Ball, Julie Peacock and Nicholas Coombes listed. They have all made their mark during 2008. I agree completely with the Editor's recognition of Nicholas Coombes - he is definately an MP in the making. Watch this space!

I would personally like to thank Editor Sam Holliday and his team for listing me in the Politician of the Year category. My work in Peasedown St John is for the good of my constituents and I get a genuine buzz out of serving others.

Happy New Year!