The borough of Rochdale’s next generation has spoken after 2 new representatives were elected to stand up for their views as the latest Members of UK Youth Parliament.
Ayan Bhuiyan and Matilda Duffy were successfully selected for their new roles in a recent ceremony in front of friends, family and supporters at Rochdale Town Hall.
Ayan will represent Rochdale and the Pennines, while Matilda will be the voice for young people living in Heywood and Middleton.
The election result comes on the back of a fiercely fought campaign, in which 11 candidates stood in total across the 2 constituencies in an effort to capture the hearts and minds of the electorate.
Campaigning on issues such as affordable school meals, better access to neurodivergent support and youth clubs, and improved safety for young people in public and online, Ayan and Matilda now join 300 fellow-elected MYPs across the country in working to deliver on their respective mandates.
Becoming involved in the policymaking and parliamentary process, the pair will now gain direct access to decision‑makers and get the chance to help shape the key decisions being made.
They will also chair Youth Cabinet meetings, a forum where young people aged 11 to 19, debate local issues, plan and organise key campaigns and influence wider council decisions.
Speaking after their election win, Ayan, MYP for Rochdale and Pennines, said:
“Thank you to all my friends and family for the support they have given me.
“I wish to make the borough a safer place as a member of Youth Parliament and I hope to be a great MYP for Rochdale.”
Fellow elected MYP for Heywood and Middleton, Matilda, added:
“I am very pleased to serve this role and I am truly honoured to be elected.
“I promise to deliver on everything I’ve promised – it’s going to be a great 2 years, thank you.”
Councillor Rachel Massey, cabinet member for children’s services and education, said:
“A huge well done to everyone who ran in this year’s elections and a special congratulations to Ayan and Matilda on their winning campaigns.
“Becoming a Member of Youth Parliament is a fantastic first step into politics for tomorrow’s future leaders and it provides a great opportunity for them to shape and influence key decisions that will not only impact their lives, but their peers and future generations to come.
“As young people, it is their fresh perspective on the world which can help to make real change, so I wish them all the very best of luck in their new roles and in flying the flag for our borough.”
As part of the wider election results, Safaa Usman and Madina Zargar were elected deputy MYPs for Rochdale and Pennines and Heywood and Middleton respectively, having received the second highest number of votes in their constituencies.
A total of 7,187 ballots were cast at this year’s election, the first since 2024, with voter turnout standing at 34 per cent.
Former MYPs Sarah Orakwue and Hussian Malik will now step down from their roles, alongside deputy MYPs Amelia Stewart and Benedicte Kapiamba following their 2-year term.