Oliver Dixon has been elected as Hartlepool’s new Member of Youth Parliament (MYP).
He was chosen in an election in which all Hartlepool young people aged 13-18 were eligible to stand as a candidate or cast a vote, and he takes over from outgoing MYP Oliver Huermann.
Oliver, who is 17, will serve for one year in this important role that puts young voices at the heart of decision-making.
He will represent the views of young people across the borough, work with youth groups, councillors and decision-makers, attend regional meetings and national events – including an opportunity to speak in the House of Commons – and lead campaigns and projects that make a real impact.
Throughout his term of office he will be supported by Hartlepool Borough Council’s Youth Services Team.
Oliver Dixon
In his first message to the young people of Hartlepool as MYP, Oliver said: “I would firstly like to pay tribute to my predecessor Oliver Huermann for the outstanding contribution he has made to the lives of young people in Hartlepool.
“I am honoured to have been elected as the new MYP. This result belongs to every young person who took part – you turned out, you made your voices heard and you strengthened democracy in our borough.
“During this campaign I visited schools, sixth forms and further education colleges across Hartlepool and I spoke with students who want fair pay after college, better transport to get to work and training, and more respect for vocational pathways, and those priorities will shape my work from day one.
“I will serve every young person in Hartlepool, whether you voted for me or not, and I will listen, I will work hard and I will speak up for you with confidence and determination. Thank you for your trust.”
Born and raised in Hartlepool, Oliver is currently studying Politics, English Literature and Art and Design at Hartlepool Sixth Form College. He devotes his leisure time to playing rugby and cricket, Hartlepool Youth Voice and following politics.
He can be contacted at oliverdixonmyp@outlook.com