We are incredibly proud to announce that Charlotte Swift (11Bennett) has been officially elected as the Deputy Member of Youth Parliament (DMYP) for North Yorkshire Central.

Following the regional elections held on Thursday, 5th March 2026, the results confirmed that Charlotte’s vision for the youth of North Yorkshire resonated strongly with her peers. In a very close race, she secured her position as a key voice for young people across the region.

Charlotte’s success is a shining example of our Risedale BEST values in action. By standing for election, she has shown incredible RESILIENCE and RESPONSIBILITY, proving herself to be a RESPECTFUL leader who values positive RELATIONSHIPS and the importance of ensuring every young person's voice is heard.

The UK Youth Parliament provides young people aged 11–18 with a national platform to influence change. Elected Members of Youth Parliament (MYPs) and their Deputies meet with government officials and debate key issues in the House of Commons, ensuring the voices of their peers reach the highest levels of democracy.

In a congratulatory message to Charlotte, Stacey Smith, Youth Voice & Creative Engagement Officer for North Yorkshire Council, praised her efforts:

"Your manifesto was excellent, and it clearly resonated with a lot of young people. You should feel incredibly proud of the ideas you put forward and the confidence you showed in standing for this role. As Deputy MYP, you’ll still have opportunities to get involved, contribute to campaigns, and support the work of the elected MYP. It’s a brilliant chance to develop your voice, build experience, and make a real impact."

We are thrilled to have a Risedale pupil representing our school and the wider region as an official member of the North Yorkshire Youth Voice team. Charlotte, you are truly a fantastic ambassador for #TeamRisedale and have shown what it means to be the BEST version of yourself.

Congratulations on this fantastic achievement!

Find Out More: To learn more about the UK Youth Parliament and how young people can lead change in our region, visit the North Yorkshire Council NY Voice website.

#TeamRisedale 💙💜🧡❤️ #BEST

RESPONSIBILITY  RESPECT  RESILIENCE  RELATIONSHIPS