'Amazing' moment as North Northamptonshire's two new Members of Youth Parliament are elected

Ivanna Obi, 17, has been re-elected as a Member of Youth Parliament (MYP) and Kendra Okelola (15) has been elected for the first time following a public vote.

Ivanna and Kendra will represent young people across North Northants and be able to attend Westminster when Youth Parliament is sitting and represent their peers and community at the highest level.

They will also sit on North Northamptonshire’s Youth Advisory Council.

More than 600 votes were cast by young people during the election and North Northants Council (NNC) has thanked everyone, including local school pupils, who took the time to choose their favourite.

The election was organised by NNC in partnership with the Department of Culture, Media & Sports (DCMS) and the National Youth Agency (NYA).

The candidates – 14 in total aged 11 to 18 – were given the opportunity to write about what they think are the big issues affecting life in North Northamptonshire and beyond and what they hope to achieve if elected.

All manifestos were anonymous and published online, with voting taking place via the council’s website.

The elected MYPs will be in position up until March 31, 2027.

Ivanna said: “It feels amazing to be elected. I am so proud to be able to represent my constituency and young people.

"I want to gauge the issues that young people face in North Northamptonshire and from there I want to actively create solutions such as youth centres, clubs and competitions.

"I hope to encourage young people to take part in activities that they haven’t done before, and giving them a chance to succeed and for equal opportunities as well.

"I’m going to bring my enthusiasm, my passion for young people into this role and continue making active change and empowering young people so they know that they are the core of our society.”

Kendra said: “I was very surprised when I found out I had been elected, but I’m really excited to start.

"My aim is to talk to young people and understand their needs and what they want done to make North Northamptonshire a better place in which to live.

"I think secondary spaces are important to young people. Education is also important and young people being more aware of the society they live in.

"I’d like to thank all the voters who have put their faith in me. I will try my best to honour my manifesto and not let any of my voters down.”

Two deputy MYPs will soon be elected from the Youth Advisory Council and announced when confirmed. 

Although the deputies can’t attend Parliamentary sittings, they can still deputise for the MYPs during times of absence and at other events outside of Parliament. 

Cllr Elizabeth Wright, NNC’s executive member for children, education and families, said: “Congratulations to Ivanna and Kendra.

"It is inspiring to see so many young people across North Northamptonshire taking an active interest in having their voices heard and shaping the future of their communities.

"These roles provide a fantastic opportunity to represent their peers, influence decision-making at a national level, and develop valuable skills.

"I look forward to seeing the positive impact they will make over the coming year.”