North Northamptonshire teens Ivanna Obi and Kendra Okelola to represent peers

Liam Higgins Author 2026-05-22 12:46 2 min read

Five young people talking together while leaning against a chain link fence in the sun.

Contents

Local representation at Westminster and the Youth Advisory Council
Community engagement and the election process
Key points of the election
Support and future opportunities for young residents

Ivanna Obi and Kendra Okelola have been chosen by their peers to serve as the new Members of Youth Parliament (MYPs) for North Northamptonshire. Following a public vote held on Monday, 18 May 2026, the results confirm that Obi (17) will return for a second term, while Okelola (15) joins the representative body for the first time.

Local representation at Westminster and the Youth Advisory Council

The two newly elected representatives are tasked with advocating for the interests of young people in the region at a national level. Their roles include attending sittings at Westminster when the UK Youth Parliament is in session, ensuring that local perspectives are heard by national decision-makers.

In addition to their national duties, both Obi and Okelola will hold seats on North Northamptonshire Council’s Youth Advisory Council. This local platform allows them to work directly with the local authority on policies and initiatives that impact their generation within the county.

Community engagement and the election process

The election saw significant engagement from the local community, with more than 600 votes cast by young residents. North Northamptonshire Council organized the proceedings in collaboration with the Department of Culture, Media & Sports (DCMS) and the National Youth Agency (NYA).

Council officials expressed gratitude to the school pupils and young voters who participated by reviewing candidate mandates and selecting representatives who aligned with their values. This turnout reflects a growing interest in civic participation among the area’s youth.

Key points of the election

Ivanna Obi (17) returns for a second term as a Member of Youth Parliament.
Kendra Okelola (15) was elected for the first time by local voters.
Over 600 young people participated in the election on 18 May 2026.
The representatives will sit on the local Youth Advisory Council and attend Westminster.

Support and future opportunities for young residents

Detailed information regarding the specific roles and upcoming projects for Obi and Okelola will be released by the council in the coming weeks. Young people interested in learning more about the Youth Parliament or how to participate in future elections can contact the engagement and participation team at the council via their official website or direct email.

Source: North Northamptonshire Council