Bexhill students elected for Youth Cabinet

Nearly 18,000 young people from across the county chose the representatives to be their voice in the county's Youth Cabinet for the next two years in Big Vote 2009.

Voting took place over two weeks at fifty different voting stations in schools, colleges, and youth projects across East Sussex.

The results of the ballot were announced on 14th December in County Hall.

Nominations for the Cabinet - a key voice for all young people in the county - closed in October with 30 young people contesting the seats.

Almost fifty percent (17,820) of the young electorate turned out to vote.

The secondary school turn-out was even higher with fifty seven percent of all young people attending secondary schools in East Sussex voting for their chosen candidate.

Each district in the county has elected Youth Cabinet Members with six elected members for Bexhill, Hastings and Rother, and four members for Lewes and the Coastal area, Eastbourne, and Wealden.

The candidates selected to represent Bexhill, Hastings and Rother are: Bexhill High students Jordan Standell and Kieran Lahee. Patrick Boksan-Cullen, Fay Rushton-Ryan (St Richards Catholic College), Iola Hughes(Claverham CC), and Liam Burke, (Robertsbridge).

Cabinet members for other areas are:

Lewes and Coastal: Mel Camp, Billy Boots, Olivia Buckley, William Shears

Wealden: Matthew Smeeth, Mara Cuppini, James Batstone, James Davies.

Eastbourne: Louis Thursfield, Josh Savage, Esther Hyde, Jack Rosewarne.

The Youth Cabinet members represent young people on issues such as transport, the environment, healthy living, feeling safe in the community and improving education.

Three members also represent the county at a national level in the Youth Parliament.

The Cabinet meets on a regular basis and representatives also have the chance to make important contributions to meetings at County Hall, including the Children and Young People's Trust Executive Group, and with partners including the health service and the police.

Councillor Meg Stroude, East Sussex County Council's Lead Member for Children and Families, said:

"It is wonderful to see that democracy amongst the young people in East Sussex is alive and well. The Youth Cabinet is a fantastic way for young people to get involved in their communities and make a difference. I look forward to working with our new cabinet for the next two years."

The County Council has thanked all the young people who stood as candidates and recognised the tremendous efforts they made.

Young people who would like to get involved in decision making in a different way should contact the council's participation team on (01273) 335250.

For more information on the Youth Cabinet visit the website at: www.connexions360.org.uk/youthcabinet