Surrey’s young people elect seven new Members of Youth Parliament 

Young people across Surrey have elected seven Members of Youth Parliament (MYPs) in the 2026 Surrey youth elections.  In a strong demonstration of youth participation in local democracy, an incredible 4,810 young people voted in the elections – a 78% increase compared to 2024, and sixteen young people stood – more than double the number who stood in 2024.   

The MYPs will represent the views of young people across Surrey for the next two years at a regional and national level. To align with Local Government Reorganisation, 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.  

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).   

Cllr Helyn Clack, Cabinet Member for Children, Families and Lifelong Learning, said: “I want to offer my warmest congratulations to our seven newly elected Members of Youth Parliament. 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 demonstrate the power of youth voice by showing how young people can influence decisions, champion positive change, and engage in thoughtful, constructive debate, ultimately helping to build stronger, fairer communities for everyone.    

“I wish them every success in their roles and look forward to seeing the meaningful impact they will undoubtedly make over the next two years.”   

Surrey County Council has extended sincere thanks to the outgoing MYPs Alex, Abi, Evie, Oli, Myra and Pranav. Their dedication, advocacy and leadership have made a significant impact locally and nationally. Their achievements include:  

• Chairing the Votes at 16 committee for the UK Youth Parliament, bringing Surrey’s young voices to national democratic reform debates.  

• Campaigning for Period Dignity: raising awareness of period poverty, advocating for free product access and challenging stigma in schools and communities.  

Outgoing MYP Alex Nurton said: “Being elected as a Member of Youth Parliament was really a changing point in my life. I’ve been 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 represent young people in Surrey along with all the friends I’ve met.”  

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.   

For more information about the new MYPs, follow @ourvoicesurrey on Instagram.  

Notes to editors  

About Surrey Youth Council  

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 Council, and shares the views of young people in Surrey with decision-makers including councillors, mayors and MPs. . They are a group of elected members with specific roles and responsibilities:  

• Chair and Deputy Chair, who plan and lead meetings  

• Young Mayor and Deputy Young Mayor, who support young people through public events and charities, and by funding community projects  

• 11 Portfolio Holders, each with responsibility for leading on specific areas of feedback  

• Members of Youth Parliament (MYPs), who represent the views of Youth Council and their wider constituents at a regional and national level.  

Young people can find out more about the Surrey Youth Council and Cabinet here:   

Surrey Youth Voice – Surrey County Council  

About MYPs  

A Member of Youth Parliament (MYP) represents young people at local, regional and national levels. Surrey has seven MYP seats, an increase from six in 2024 due to a growing youth population.  They are elected by young people aged 11–18.  

MYPs ensure the voices of young people influence decisions. They work closely with the Surrey Youth Council, Surrey County Council teams, local councillors, MPs and partner organisations. They also take Surrey’s voice to the UK Youth Parliament, where more than 300 MYPs debate national priorities in the House of Commons each year.