Andrew Simpson wins 'I'm a Councillor get me out of here'

11.00.00am BST (GMT +0100) Sat 18th Oct 2008

Andrew Simpson said he was 'honoured' to have won the 'I'm a Councillor Get me out of Here' competition when the results were announced on Saturday at the Local Democracy Week event at The Guildhall.

"I am very honoured to have been chosen by young people as the winner of the competition" said Andrew "It was one of the most challenging things I have ever done as a Councillor and I have really learnt a lot".

The 'I'm a Councillor Get me out of Here' event started on 6th October and involved 6 Borough Councillors being available online to answer questions from local school children and young people. The Councillors all had a manifesto and there were three live chat sessions. The Councillors who took part were: Jane Hollis, Ifty Choudary, David Palethorpe, Phil Larratt and Keith Davis. It was the first time Northampton has taken part in the event which was part of National Local Democracy week. Cllr Ifty Choudary came second.

Andrew will now be declared as 'Youth Champion for Northampton for 2008'

"There were some really good ideas from the young people which I now want to see if we can progress" said Andrew "One simple one was to hold a regular online chat session for young people to raise matters with their councillors. I have already asked if this can be done".

"Next year I hope we can build on this event and make it even more successful I would really recommend other councillors to get involved it really opens your eyes to what young people are thinking".

Andrew was also runner up in Saturday's Local Democracy week 'political speed dating' which saw Councillors quizzed by young people on what they do and their role.

ENDS

Notes to Editors

See 'I'm a Councillor get me out of Here at www.bigvote.org.uk - you need to sign in as a guest to access Northampton Borough Council's pages