28/02/13……Lord Bill’s student elected to UK Youth Parliament

A Sixth Form student from Lord Williams’s School in Thame, has beaten 11 other candidates to be elected as a Member of the UK Youth Parliament, representing Oxfordshire.

Obviously very proud of his win, Michael Oatway said: “I’m thrilled and delighted to have been elected as South Oxfordshire’s MYP. I would like to say a huge thank you to all those who voted for me and for those who helped me through my campaign. I look forward to the challenges during my term and am excited to be working alongside Hammod Munir and Zoe Adams, the deputy MYP and Ambassador for South Oxfordshire, in promoting the views of the young people of South Oxfordshire – hopefully we can make a difference.”

The results of the hotly-fought contest were announced at Oxford Town Hall last Thursday, February 21, for the three Oxfordshire areas (North, South and City Centre). Michael secured over 1100 of the 7,500 votes cast at Oxfordshire schools.

The UK Youth Parliament gives young people aged between 11 and 18 the opportunity to express their views on the issues that affect them. The current manifesto includes lowering the voting age, re-writing the national curriculum and providing more jobs for young people.

Michael Oatway is an active member of the Lord Williams?s Youth Theatre and a keen student of Government and Politics. He has a passion for public service and has already completed a work placement at the House of Commons. Michael is committed to bringing the issues concerning young people in the Thame and South Oxfordshire area to regional and national political attention.

Lord Williams’s School’s Head Teacher, David Wybron, expressed his pleasure at the news. ?We are very proud of Michael?s achievement, becoming the first Member of the Youth Parliament from the School,” he said. “This is an impressive achievement and I am sure he will make a big impression in the role.”