Representatives from Chesham’s Youth Council travelled to Westminster earlier this week to visit the UK Parliament.

The tour was arranged by local Councillor Joseph Baum and included a visit to a number of historical parts of the palace, including the House of Commons, the House of Lords and Westminster Hall.

Whilst in Parliament the young Councillors also had the opportunity to submit questions to the local MP, Dame Cheryl Gillan. The questions raised included her work in the constituency, Brexit, HS2, the environment and the reasons why she entered politics.

Amersham and Chesham MP Dame Cheryl Gillan said: “Chesham Youth Council is a fantastic initiative, allowing more young people the opportunity to have a voice in their town, get involved in the community and campaign for change.

That’s what politics is all about I hope that their visit to Parliament has inspired them for the future. I will be looking out for them.”

Bridie Essex-Dobson, who Chairs the Youth Council and visited Parliament, said: “The visit to Parliament was such an amazing experience and I feel so lucky to have had the tour.

“Even though we were in Westminster, the way that politics works felt very similar what we do at Chesham Town Hall. I can’t wait to return to Chesham and to start making a difference.”

Local Councillor Joseph Baum, who set up and continues to run the Youth Council, said: “I am so glad that members of our Youth Council had the chance to visit Parliament and to see what politics looks like at the very highest level.

“Opportunities like this are exactly why we re-established the Youth Council and I know that many of them have been inspired by the trip. Fundamentally, politics is about helping others and I hope that the Youth Council will continue to be a strong voice for young people in our town.

“I doubt this will be the last time that we see some of them in Westminster.”