Oldham Youth Council credited for UK voting age bill

Oldham's young people have played a pivotal role in shaping national politics, with the town's Youth Council credited for helping to draft legislation that would lower the UK voting age to 16. The Representation of the People Bill, introduced to Parliament earlier this month, is based on work done by Oldham Youth Council in 2017 with local MP Jim McMahon.

McMahon, who has long campaigned for votes at 16, worked directly with the Youth Council to draft the original Private Members' Bill. 'Young people in Oldham didn't just support it, they helped write it,' he said, highlighting how the council advocated for multiple reforms including tougher political donation rules and automatic voter registration.

The Oldham MP's efforts earned him national recognition when he won the Youth Voice Champion award in 2017, beating out other notable figures including Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham. However, his initial bill ran out of parliamentary time and was not passed under the previous government.

Oldham Council has been at the forefront of youth engagement, becoming the first in the country to formally recognise its Youth Council in the council's constitution. This gave young people real power to submit motions to Full Council, ensuring their voices are heard on issues that matter to them. McMahon emphasised that votes at 16 'isn't a gift to young people' but 'recognition of what they've already proven-that when you give young people power, they use it responsibly and with purpose.