TWO teenagers from WGC have taken their first step into the world of politics – after being elected to the county’s Youth Parliament.

Sam Mahrouche and Joe Reason, both 16, were both voted in as Hertfordshire MYPs (Member of Youth Parliament) at the weekend.

They were elected along with four other youngsters aged between 11 and 18, following an online collection campaign which saw candidates present their manifestos through written statements and videos.

At County hall on Staurday, County Councillor Richard Thake, executive member for education and skills, congratulated the new recruits.

“Your role is to represent the views of all young people in your area and I am sure you will have an exciting and challenging year ahead,” he said.

It was a record breaking year for the Youth Parliament elections, with 39 candidates from across the county standing – more than double the previous two elections.

A record 25,000 votes were also cast by Hertfordshire residents aged between 11 to 18, on the county youth website Channel Mogo.

Cllr Thake added: “MYPs are there to speak up for young people at all levels of government and this impressive election turnout shows that young people want their voices to be heard on issues that matter to them.”

As well as the six MYPs, six deputies were also elected, including 16-year-old Tara Acton, from Welwyn.