Somerset names new youth MPs with Millfield pupil among trio

By Laura Linham 3rd Apr 2026

Local News by Laura Linham 3rd Apr 2026

Somerset has welcomed three new Members of Youth Parliament, with a Millfield School pupil among the newly elected trio now beginning a two-year term.

Eva, Blake and Luca officially took up office in April, with Eva bringing a clear local link for Glastonbury and Street through her place at Millfield School.

The new Somerset Youth Parliament members will now begin work on the campaigns that helped win them election. Eva is focusing on sport in schools and colleges, looking at barriers to taking part and what can be done to make activities more accessible, inclusive and enjoyable for children and young people.

Blake will concentrate on money skills and financial literacy in schools, including bills, budgeting and saving. He also plans to speak to businesses, organisations and networks about work experience opportunities for young people across Somerset.

Luca's campaign will focus on misinformation, including where young people get their news, how they factcheck what they see and how they judge whether information is accurate. He will also work with key figures in communities across the county to push for children and young people's views to be heard and acted on.

For readers in Glastonbury and Street, Eva's election gives the area a direct connection to the new intake. Millfield's long-established place in Somerset life means her role is likely to be watched closely by local families, schools and young people with an interest in sport and education.

The new trio replace outgoing Members of Youth Parliament Emma and James, who Somerset Council praised for their work over the past two years. During their term, they attended sittings at the House of Commons, took part in Somerset Council recruitment interview panels, gave keynote speeches and joined Children's Parliament events while also studying for their GCSEs.

Emma said the role was hugely important because it gives young people a voice in regional, national and local decision-making. She said she had enjoyed the responsibilities of the post and learned many skills along the way, adding that she believed the newly elected members would continue to make sure young people's voices are heard.

Councillor Heather Shearer, Somerset Council's lead member for children, families and education, thanked Emma and James for going "above and beyond" in office and said she was excited by the campaigns and potential of the new intake.

Somerset Youth Parliament said its wider advisory group remains open to anyone aged 10 to 25 who lives, works or goes to school in Somerset. The council said the group is built around equality, inclusion, respect and democracy and is always looking to welcome new members.