A group of 15 budding politicians have launched their campaigns to become Camden’s next youth MP.

The candidates, who are aged 13 to 17, spoke passionately about issues ranging from mental health to youth services at a hustings event at Camden Town Hall last week, before voting began on Monday.

The newly-elected youth MP and two deputy youth MPs will be the voice for Camden young people over the next two years.

As well as putting forward the interests of Camden youth in decision-making, they will have a national role as members of the UK Youth Parliament.

Until the ballot closes on March 29, anyone from the ages of 11 to 17 who work in Camden or attend one of the borough’s schools will be eligible to vote.

The voters will be able to vote in their schools or youth centres, and after the vote is cast and the new MP is chosen he or she will serve a term of two years.

Visit camden.gov.uk/youthcouncil to find out more.