What Wokingham’s new Youth MPs want to change
Two 16-year-old pupils will carry the views of young people across Wokingham Borough into national discussions over the coming year.
Laima Dhimitri, from Maiden Erlegh School in Earley, and Jasmine Dix, who attends The Holt School, were elected by fellow borough pupils in January. They will occupy Wokingham’s two seats on Youth Council UK until next spring while jointly chairing the Wokingham Borough Youth Council, which meets monthly.
Wokingham Borough Council published its profile of the pair on 31 July 2026.
Mental health, opportunity and an uncertain future
Laima and Jasmine want national decision-makers to hear more about mental health, equal opportunities and the uncertainty young people face around artificial intelligence and climate change.
Jasmine said young people can struggle to find somewhere constructive to direct their interest in public issues. She sees youth councils as a route for bringing their ideas forward and wants to leave the national body in a stronger position for its next cohort.
Both representatives also support giving current affairs a larger place in education. Laima would add more financial education, while Jasmine said current-affairs teaching could help pupils form their own opinions instead of relying heavily on social media.
Local pupils gain a route into national debate
Their local and national roles are closely connected. As co-chairs of the borough Youth Council, they hear issues affecting young residents and can contribute views on policies before those policies are introduced. Youth Council UK then provides a platform for raising those concerns beyond Wokingham.
Similar routes are giving teenage representatives in North Northamptonshire a voice at national level.
Laima hopes to gain experience in politics and diplomacy, while Jasmine is interested in work involving people, human rights and law. Jasmine said she initially doubted whether she had enough experience to stand but decided to run because she wanted to help create positive change.
How young people can take part
Secondary school pupils aged 11 to 18 can apply to join Wokingham Borough Youth Council by emailing youthvoice@wokingham.gov.uk. Residents aged 16 or over are also eligible to register to vote.
Source: Wokingham Borough Council
Context & actions About this article
Source check Source trail
The roles, priorities and participation details were checked against information published by Wokingham Borough Council on 31 July 2026.
- Confirmed the names, ages and schools of both Youth MPs.
- Checked that their Youth Council UK terms run until next spring.
- Matched their stated priorities to the published interview.
- Verified the age range and email address for joining the borough Youth Council.
- Source
- Wokingham Borough Council
- Scope
- Wokingham Borough
- Updated
- 2026-07-31 15:32
Source check
Report a trust issue
Send a clear signal to community moderation if the source, facts or context need review.
Comments