An openly-gay schoolboy has been given the thumbs up from pupils in Plymouth who have voted for him to represent them in the UK Youth Parliament.
Reace McDonnell, aged 17, was one of 13 candidates up for election and topped the pole together with another 14-year-old student who will both represent the city in the Youth Parliament for the next 12 months.
Reace, studying English literature, psychology, drama and media, said he would campaign for free university education for all and represent the city’s gay, bisexual and transsexual community.
“I’m really anticipating a very productive year,” he said. “I was so excited when my name was announced.”
Reace said he had already been successful in getting a sex education pack into schools.
The Deputy Lord Mayor Mary Aspinall returned the results in what the council said was a very successful day.
Cllr Grant Monahan, Cabinet member for children and young people, said: “I wish the new UK Youth Parliament Members luck in their new roles.”
The UK Youth Parliament (UKYP) enables young people to use their energy and passion to change the world for the better. Run by young people for young people, UKYP gives the young people of the UK, between the age of 11 and 18 a voice, which is heard and listened to by local and national government, providers of services for young people and other agencies who have an interest in the views and needs of young people,