Name: Claire Kellett

Position: MYP

Constituency: Trafford

Which political issues are you most passionate about?

One of the issues I feel most strongly about is apprenticeships and training for young people leaving school at 16. In my area especially, there is often a lot of emphasis on carrying on education to A levels and then to university. Not that this is a bad thing, I just think there should be equal emphasis on the opportunities available to people who, for some reason, do not follow the traditional academic route and wish to enter the work place straight after finishing their GCSEs.

What do you feel is the biggest issue for young people in your constituency?

An issue that is brought up again and again is transport and transport costs. Most young people of Trafford believe the cost of transport to be much too high and highly inflammatory over the years. During my school time, I have seen bus prices double in price. This is an issue that is often raised and needs to be addressed by the private bus companies.

What do you hope to achieve during your term of office?

I hope to look at how to help those leaving school at 16 by opening more doors with apprenticeships and training and also, look at how to engage more young people in volunteering.

What is your future career ambition?

I hope to study law at university, either this year or next, with the ultimate aim of becoming a corporate Barrister.

Which public figure do you most admire and why?

William Wilberforce, British politician in the late 18th, early 19th century. He was the driving force behind the abolition of the slave trade. He was one man who stood up against the whole of parliament, fought tirelessly for 26 years for his beliefs and eventually succeeded. If there is one person who should be an inspiration to us all, it's this man.

If there was one message you could send to the government, what would it be?

Firstly, congratulations and good luck to the new Conservative-LibDem coalition government. And secondly, I believe there should be an attempt to create a positive relationship between Parliament and the Youth Parliament, with the possibility of meetings where we can to raise certain issues that are affecting young people in our area.

Additional comments:

"Tell me, I'll forget. Show me, I may remember. But involve me, and I'll understand." Chinese Proverb

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