This in from the council, in their own words. Ed
Connor Dyer, 16, polled over 40 per cent of the votes out of the seven candidates and has been elected. Will Matthews, who has been the Island’s Youth MP for the last year, came second with nearly 27 per cent of the votes and has been elected as Deputy Youth MP.
In his election manifesto, Connor says he wants to tackle issues including youth unemployment, stress and anxiety in young people and cracking down on all forms of bullying such as discrimination and cyberbullying.
“Excited”
Connor said:
“I was surrounded by all of my friends at school when I found out I was the new Member of Youth Parliament for the Island. As soon as I read the email, we all went mad with excitement.
“I was so happy to hear that after all of the campaigning, and after getting so much support, it was all worth it. I am looking forward to starting and getting feedback and opinions from young people on the Island. I also cannot wait to visit the House of Commons.”
Outgoing Youth MP Will Matthews, who will now become Connor’s deputy, added:
“I would like to congratulate Connor on being elected. My advice to him would be not to give up, do what you think is right and stand up for yourself.
“Looking back at my time as Youth MP, I am very proud to have met so many politicians including many on the Island, a government minister and a shadow minister.
“I look forward to carrying on meeting with Isle of Wight councillors and making sure young people on the Island are represented. I will be meeting Connor soon to fill him in and l am pleased to be working together with him for all young people on the Island.”
Congratulations
Councillor Jonathan Bacon, Isle of Wight Council Leader and Executive member for children’s services, said:
“I send my congratulations to Connor on his election and know Will very well from his time as Youth MP over the last year. He was very heavily engaged with the Isle of Wight Council for the benefit of young people and I am sure Connor will be equally enthusiastic.
“I look forward to meeting them both and hearing their views in the near future.”
Both Connor and Will were also successfully elected onto the Isle of Wight Youth Council for the coming year.
Image: © Isle of Wight Council
