Leicester’s young people take over Westminster

By Bethany Mosettig

Leicester’s young people have taken over government roles for a day as part of the Takeover Challenge.

The Takeover project ran by the Children’s commissioner lets children all across England takeover adult roles in organisations.

The young people are put into decision making positions to encourage organisations and businesses to hear their views.

On Tuesday November 15, Morgan Bates, Sagar Haria and Zainab Ismaeel from Leicester’s young people’s council travelled down to London to take over governmental roles.

Morgan, 17, took over the role of Minister for Employment from Damian Hinds

She said: “It was a great day. I really enjoyed speaking to Damien Hinds. It was also inspiring meeting an intern who was a care leaver and is now shaping policy for other care leavers.”

Sagar, 18, took over as Minister of State for the Commonwealth and the UN, Baroness Anelay’s position.

She said: “I got a fantastic insight into how Parliament works. It was absolutely worth doing and we’d all definitely do it again.”

More than 45,000 children from all over the country took part in Takeover.

They get to take over government departments, major broadcasters to West End Theatres and MP’s

Cllr Sarah Russell, assistant city mayor responsible for children, young people and schools, said: “This was a fantastic opportunity for these young people.

“They got the chance to see how Government works and how they can influence decision-making, both now and in the future.

“We’re lucky to have an active Young People’s Council here in Leicester, and recently 12,000 young people in the city voted on what they wanted to see debated in the UK Youth Parliament.”

The project is organized by Anne Longfield, children’s commissioner who seeks to promote and protect the rights of children.

She said: “I am enormously grateful to organisations and individuals who embrace the challenge and throw open their doors to involve young people.

“Children are full of fresh ideas, imagination and energy so they can really provide a fresh perspective that organisations can benefit fro
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“Giving children and young people a chance to do adult roles for the day helps organisations understand the needs of children, who also use the experience to show off their talents and achieve their full potential.”