Following a close-run race, and a record number of votes, three new Somerset Members of Youth Parliament have been elected to represent the county.
Messages of congratulations have poured in since the announcement, wishing Blake, Eva and Luca, success in their roles, and with their youth campaigns.
Blake attends Kingsmead School and will focus on ‘money, skills and financial literacy’. Eva, from Millfield School, will fight for ‘better sports and activities opportunities in school and college’. And Courtfields School’s Luca, will make ‘your opinions matter’, the theme of his campaign activity.
The Somerset Members take up their official duties in April 2026 and will serve two years in office.
More than 1,600 children and young people from 11 schools and colleges participated in this record-breaking election, which took place between 17 November and 15 December 2025. Some 26 self-nominations countywide were received, with 13 candidates eventually standing.
Lead Member for Children, Families and Education at Somerset Council, Cllr Heather Shearer, said: “This important democratic process proved a great success. It’s heartening to see participation figures up across the board, from the number of young people standing, to the final votes cast.
“Congratulations to our three successful Somerset Members, and huge thanks to the many school settings, teachers and pupils whose support made this a record-breaking election.
“It’s great to witness grass roots determination, and an appetite to tackle the tough stuff, from young people in Somerset. Their voice matters, and they will be heard.”
Thanks were also paid to outgoing Somerset Members Emma and James for their sterling service during the past two years. Their campaigns focused on young people and social media, and environmental concerns. They stand down in April.
You don’t have to be an elected Member to join the Somerset Youth Parliament team. There’s a diverse, friendly Advisory Group that’s free, fun, and always welcomes new people. Anyone aged 10 to 25 years old can sign-up, so long as they live, work or go to school in Somerset.
If you’d like to support Blake, Eva and Luca in their roles, campaign for youth matters and have an interest in local democracy, visit Somerset UK Youth Parliament
