Efe Donkor, 17, from Grays, has been elected as Thurrock's new Member of Youth Parliament.
UK Youth Parliament is made up of more than 300 young people aged between 11 and 18 years, elected as Members of Youth Parliament (MYPs) to represent the views of their peers. It provides opportunities for young people to bring about social change through meaningful representation and campaigning.
Funded through a grant from the Department of Culture, Media and Sport, the UK Youth Parliament brings young people into the policymaking and parliamentary process, with direct access to decision makers.
Young people vote for their MYPs in elections every one year.
Efe said: "I’m really pleased and honoured to have been elected as a Member of Youth Parliament for Thurrock. Thank you to everyone who took the time to vote and support me—it means a great deal to have that trust.
"I’m looking forward to representing young people across Thurrock, making sure their voices are heard, and working on the issues that matter most to them. I’m especially keen to engage with a wide range of young people and ensure their views help shape positive change in our community."
Young people in Thurrock can also represent their community by joining Youth Cabinet, a group of young people aged 11 to 18 who work together to make Thurrock a better place for young people. Young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) can also get involved through the SEND Youth Voice Group. SEND young people who are part of Youth Cabinet move over to the SEND Youth Voice Group when they turn 18, with the group supporting young people up to the age of 25. Both groups are youth‑led and give young people a real opportunity to have their voices heard.
To learn more about Youth Cabinet, and how to join, visit: https://www.thurrock.gov.uk/youth-cabinet/thurrock-youth-cabinet