Young political hopefuls held their very own question time when they got the chance to grill Renfrewshire Council’s leader and chief executive.
Seven of the ten candidates standing for election met with Councillor Mark Macmillan and Sandra Black at the Council Chambers in Renfrewshire House.
Posing questions about child poverty, the minimum wage and education attainment, the candidates learned how decisions are made and resources are used to meet key priorities of the council.
Councillor Macmillan said: “It was a great opportunity to meet the candidates standing for election in Renfrewshire. They have a passion and drive to speak out for young people and make things better and I was pleased to take the time to answer some of their questions.
“The Scottish Youth Parliament is an important part of our democracy and I think it’s good to see things happening because of it. Last year, the council supported the CareFairShare campaign and helped to implement fairer pay for young carers.
“The candidates are all on the campaign trail and although only five can be elected, all the candidates can make a difference for young people by continuing their involvement in local youth forums, like Renfrewshire Youth Voice.”
Sandra Black, who will act as Returning Officer at the SYP elections, said: “Giving the candidates a chance to ask questions was really important and I’m sure they got as much out of it as I did.”
“On 13 March, I will be announcing the results of the election and I hope that the candidates, regardless of being elected or not, will have enjoyed the experience and being involved in the democratic process.”
Young people aged 12 to 25 can vote online from Monday 2 March until Thursday 12 March at 5pm on www.youngscot.org. Polling stations will be available at schools, the University of the West of Scotland, West College Scotland, the Employability Hub on Gauze Street and at Renfrewshire House, Cotton Street in Paisley.
For more information, visit www.renfrewshire.gov.uk.