Candidates for Peterborough's Youth MP answer our questions

Voting has been taking place at ballot boxes in the schools, with pupils voting for their favourite two candidates.

The successor to current Youth MP Ben Chapman from Nene Park Academy will be announced on Tuesday (February 18) by Peterborough City Council chief executive Gillian Beasley once papers have been counted.

We gave each candidate the same set of questions, and have deliberately not named the schools/colleges the students attend.

Erika Bojarskaite, 17

Why do you want to become youth MP?

I want to become youth MP because I believe I can make a difference and I want to be the voice of young people.

What is the best thing about living in Peterborough for young people?

Peterborough is a multi-cultural city which allows young people to meet different people and learn about different experiences, different countries and religions.

What would you like to see change in Peterborough?

I would like to see knife crime rates reduced because we are losing so many young people because of it.

What are your main ambitions in life?

I want to be a lawyer with my own law firm.

Gilchrist Dsouza, 18

Why do you want to become youth MP?

As a person who studies politics and stays and loves Peterborough. This gives me an objective as well as emotional view of Peterborough. I am well-versed in diplomacy and because of these qualities feel I am the perfect fit for youth MP.

What is the best thing about living in Peterborough for young people?

As a young person, I found that the diversity in Peterborough was the best thing, as it gives me different cultural views and helps me broaden my mind.

What would you like to see change in Peterborough?

• I would love to see a more happy and lively Peterborough through events and carnivals.
• I would love to see cheaper transport.
• I would love to see change of crime rate.

What are your main ambitions in life?

Lawyer. Go to Cambridge.

Jenae Holton, 15

Why do you want to become youth MP?

To help the young people of Peterborough whether they're going through a lot or a little. All I want to do is make people's lives better by doing as much as I can to make a change.

What is the best thing about living in Peterborough for young people?

A small community where everyone has communities within it.

What would you like to see change in Peterborough?

More support for young people instead of permanently excluding students. Support for all issues that young people face, eg. mental health etc.

What are your main ambitions in life?

Become a politician and help all the people that I can.

Noah Salehi, 16

Why do you want to become youth MP?

I want to stand as youth MP to better the lives of youths and bring the voice of youth to the centre of mainstream politics. My three main policies would be:

Votes for 16/17.

Greater climate action.

Reform PD lessons to prioritise student wellbeing and life skill learning.

These three things work to protect our environment, support students in schools, and get voices heard.

What is the best thing about living in Peterborough for young people?

There is basic access to services, including shopping and schools. There is an element of community as well. Needless to say this could be improved.

What would you like to see change in Peterborough?

I would like my three policies enacted and greater emphasis of youth involvement. More representation and our values being heard.

What are your main ambitions in life?

I would like to pursue a career in politics, hopefully leading to prime minister. I'm currently applying to Oxbridge to study either politics or economics. I believe youth MP could act as a gateway to this while also allowing me to improve the representation of youth and its schooling system in Peterborough.

Phoenix Hart, 16

Why do you want to become youth MP?

To make a physical change!

What is the best thing about living in Peterborough for young people?

Nothing, it's awful for now...

What would you like to see change in Peterborough?

Literally everything.

What are your main ambitions in life?

To make a change and have fun doing it.

Rayyan Deen, 16

Why do you want to become youth MP?

Mainly to help combat the issues we all, as the youth of Peterborough, go through as we climb our way up the school system. Also I really want to help all of us become aware of all the issues everyone else faces and help to implement a sort of sub-community within which will hopefully fruit into an inclusive community.

What is the best thing about living in Peterborough for young people?

We're very diverse people from Eastern Europe, Middle East, Asia. We have people from all walks of life and from all different experiences and difficulties.

What would you like to see change in Peterborough?

I understand we are diverse but I really want to see a cohesive community where we all interact. Also I want to see a development in making the youth more empathetic.

What are your main ambitions in life?

My main goal is to follow through on my aims for change and I'd also like to see an integrated self-developing community.

Ubaid Bin Azhar, 16

Why do you want to become youth MP?

I want to become youth MP because change begins with yourself and there is no point in complaining about representation when you have the opportunity to make change but don't.

What is the best thing about living in Peterborough for young people?

The best thing about Peterborough is the diverse community and the supportive people in the community and the willingness to help.

What would you like to see change in Peterborough?

In Peterborough I would like to see young people have a more prominent role in projects they are backing and interested in. Also, I want to help set up more facilities for the youth.

What are your main ambitions in life?

My main ambition in life is to make changes. I aim to leave a lasting legacy in everything I do and take things as far as I can.