Dumfries and Galloway’s Youth Elections Results Announced

Monday, 11 December 2023 10:07

From 22 November to 2 December, young people aged 12–25 have been out in their thousands voting for their next local, regional and national representatives.

This is the third term of Dumfries and Galloway’s Regional Youth Council with young people committing their time to volunteer as youth representatives over the next two years. There are 35 positions on the Youth Council including:

  • Four Members of the Scottish Youth Parliament (MSYPs), with two elected to each Scottish Parliamentary Constituency.
  • Twenty-Four Ward Youth Councillors, with two elected to represent each of the twelve Ward areas in the region.
  • Seven Nominated Youth Councillors, with one person elected to represent each nominated or ‘seldom heard’ group including:
    • Young Parents.
    • Young Carers.
    • Care Experienced Young People.
    • Ethnic Minority Youth.
    • Gypsy/Traveller Youth.
    • LGBT Youth.
    • Young People with Additional Support Needs and Disabilities.

Young people from across our region campaigned to be elected throughout October and November before the vote began. Over 3,600 young people had their say as polling stations were set up across secondary schools, library facilities and youth centres and groups. Third sector organisations including the Young Carers Project and LGBT Youth Scotland also supported the voting for nominated youth councillors through their groups.

Speaking about the elections, outgoing Chairperson of Dumfries and Galloway Youth Council and Member of the Scottish Youth Parliament for Galloway and West Dumfries, Finlay Anderson said: “The youth elections have provided an opportunity for young people to take part in the democratic process across Dumfries and Galloway. I would like to wish the new cohort of young people elected to the Youth Council and Scottish Youth Parliament every success over the next two years, and to continue building on the good work undertaken by Youth Council Members over the last two terms since 2019.

This was echoed by Councillor Ian Blake, Chair of Dumfries and Galloway Council’s Communities Committee, who said: “I am delighted to have seen the youth elections for this year unfold, with 3,659 young people turning out to have their say at local polling places. I would like to say thank you to the outgoing Youth Council, who have contributed thousands of hours towards championing young people’s rights and giving their time to their local communities. Congratulations to all new elects who have been successful in their election efforts, and commiserations to those who have not had the outcome they wanted.”

The following young people have been elected to represent Dumfries and Galloway in the Scottish Youth Parliament. Each Scottish Parliamentary Constituency has two Members of the Scottish Youth Parliament (MSYPs) who are elected to represent the voices of young people aged 12–25 on a national level.

  • Caitlyn Walton, Dumfriesshire Member of the Scottish Youth Parliament.
  • Skye Allan, Dumfriesshire Member of the Scottish Youth Parliament.
  • Louise Church, Galloway & West Dumfries Member of the Scottish Youth Parliament.
  • Daniel Upson, Galloway & West Dumfries Member of the Scottish Youth Parliament.

The following young people have been duly elected as Ward Youth Councillors with each of the regions 12 ward areas having two representatives elected. Ward Youth Councillors are responsible for engaging with, and representing young people who live, work and study in their local community.

  • Zuzanna Kowalska, Stranraer and the Rhins.
  • Adrian Dargie, Stranraer and the Rhins.
  • Jasper Williams, Mid Galloway and Wigtown West.
  • Max Heughan, Mid Galloway and Wigtown West.
  • Stewart Walker, Dee and Glenkens.
  • Mariena Kirk, Dee and Glenkens.
  • Cormac Fraiel, Castle Douglas and Crocketford.
  • Morven Callander, Castle Douglas and Crocketford.
  • Arrow Whelan, Abbey.
  • Beth Wright Hall, Abbey.
  • Stevie Allison, North West Dumfries.
  • Ryan McLaughlan, North West Dumfries.
  • Riley True, Lochar.
  • Dayle Smith, Lochar.
  • Joel Goldsworthy, Mid and Upper Nithsdale.
  • Maisie Brown, Mid and Upper Nithsdale.
  • Ava Nosratzadeh, Nith.
  • Lucy Waugh, Nith.
  • Ailsa McDairmant, Annandale South.
  • Lydia-Elizabeth Shaw, Annandale South.
  • Konnal Allen, Annandale North.
  • Naomi Scott, Annandale North.
  • Riley Brannan, Annandale East and Eskdale.

The final grouping of young people have been elected as Nominated Youth Councillors. Nominated Youth Councillors have a regional role and are responsible for representing the voices of young people who are seldom heard in decision making:

  • Jade Kirkpatrick, Additional Support Needs and Disabilities Youth Councillor.
  • Keirra Murphy, Care Experienced Youth Councillor.
  • Thomas Paine, LGBT Youth Councillor.
  • Megan Adams, Young Carer Youth Councillor.

For more information about Dumfries and Galloway Youth Council, please:

ENDS

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