A BEAMINSTER schoolgirl is set to go to the polls in a battle to be the next Member of Youth Parliament for Dorset.

Faith Trevorrow, 13, a pupil at Beaminster School, is campaigning alongside 12 other young people as voting opens for schoolchildren in Dorset to elect two MYPs and two deputies.

Faith’s manifesto is:
1. I want to stop discrimination against people with disabilities. 
2. I will increase the amount of activities young people with disabilities access. 
3. I will raise awareness of invisible disabilities such as autism and dyslexia

The role of the MYPs is to represent Dorset on a regional and national basis, and help engage young people in politics, democracy and citizenship.

They will also work to deliver their own personal manifestos to improve the lives of young people in the county. 

The candidates range in age from 12 to 18, and come from schools across the county, including Christchurch, Ferndown, Wimborne Minster and Sturminster Newton.

Their six week campaign for votes began on December 18, and voting takes place in participating schools from January 29 to February 1. 

Deborah Croney, county council cabinet member for education, learning and skills, said: “It’s inspiring to read the candidates’ manifestos which show the passion and enthusiasm they have for making life better for young people.

“I wish them every success in their campaigns and look forward to seeing who will be selected as our new MYPs.”
The election process is overseen by Dorset County Council. The counting of the votes takes place on February 2 and the results will be announced that evening.

The other candidates are: Adam Brocklesby, 12, of Highcliffe School, Christchurch, Finlay Wyer, 12, of St Osmunds CE Middle School, Dorchester, Isabella Garside, 13, of St Mary’s CE Puddletown, Kiri Mccracken, 12, of St Mary’s CE Puddletown, Laurence Hayward, 15, of Sturminster Newton High School, Matthew Parslow, 15, of Queen Elizabeth’s Upper School, Winborne Minster, Rory Baird, 18, of the Gryphon School, Sherborne, Sophie Trott, 16, of the Thomas Hardye School, Dorchester, Stasia Smith, 14, of Ferndown Upper School, Thomas Chambers, 12, of St Mary’s CE Puddletown, Trevona Joliffe, 16, of Atlantic Academy, Portland, and Tyler Richardson, 12, of Budmouth College, Weymouth.