Sandwell Council is calling on young people across the borough to register as candidates for the upcoming UK Youth Parliament elections, taking place from the end of January to February 2026.
The elections give young people aged 11 to 18 the chance to represent their peers and influence decisions that affect their lives. Becoming a Member of Youth Parliament (MYP) is a unique opportunity to make a real difference and ensure the voices of young people in Sandwell are heard locally and nationally.
Councillor Jalal Uddin, Sandwell Council's Cabinet Member for Children and Families, said: “We want to empower young people in Sandwell to take an active role in shaping their future. Standing for Youth Parliament is a fantastic way to learn about democracy, develop leadership skills, and speak up on issues that matter most to you. Sandwell has a proud record of high participation in these elections, and we’re determined to build on that success.”
This initiative supports Child Friendly Sandwell, which is all about creating a borough where children and young people feel valued, respected, and have a real say in decisions that affect them. By taking part, young people will help shape a community that listens to their voices and champions their rights.
Registration for candidates is now open and closes on Friday 5 December 2025.
Schools and community organisations are also being encouraged to register as official polling stations to make voting as accessible as possible. In the last election, Sandwell achieved almost 10,000 votes, one of the highest turnouts in the UK. Registration for polling stations is now open and closes on Friday 9 January 2026.
Visit our Just Youth website for more information about the elections and how to register.