Following the most successful UKYP Elections since 2005, Birmingham's young people have voted in their thousands for the following five new MYPs:

Lexia   (1281)
Onyx  (1275)
Hannah W (1203)
Momodou  (1201)
Richy  (1004)

And, in order to support the MYPs, the runners-up have been invited to the pivotal role of Deputy MYPs:

Andy
Charlie
Devanti
Hani
Hannah R
Manraj
Miriam
Prabjot
Samuel
Sarandip
Shaun
Shauna
Souher

Each year, the UKYP Election has grown in popularity and success, and this year the online vote hosted by BGfL has been enriched by live hustings at 12 Birmingham secondary schools, which also acted as polling stations.

The result? 21,259 young people voted, commented and participated in a democratic process which enables them to have their say at both local and nation levels. Issues of safety, law and order, youth facilities and knife crime, among others, were hotly debated; viewpoints were vigorously presented and defended; candidates were encouraged by their fans! So, whether your priority for Birmingham pupils is democratic participation, literacy, PSHE development or simply gaining a sense of belonging to a community, all participating pupils seem to have enjoyed the whole experience.

Birmingham Grid for Learning would like to congratulate Birmingham's new MYPs and Deputy MYPs! We would also like to thank all who took part in the online poll by submitting their votes and encouraging their favourite candidates with their comments.

www.bgfl.org/vote2009