Willow Dutton
East Lothian
Key Issues
- Equalities
- Education
- Transportation
Candidate Profile
Why do you want to be an MSYP?
From a very early age I have always believed in having a voice and making sure it’s heard. I have a disability, so I understand what it’s like to not always be listened to, especially by the adults who are making decisions about you. Therefore, I value the importance of sticking up for yourself and what you believe in and also representing other people and their values to make sure their voices are heard. Being an MSYP for East Lothian would mean I could use my voice to make a positive change for every single young person and the issues that matter to you.
How will you consult with the young people in your area or organisation to ensure that they are represented well and their voices are heard?
I would consult with young people and make sure they are represented through social media platforms as this is the main way that young people communicate. I will have an email address available through which young people can talk to me anytime about any issues they may have. I will hold monthly meetings where any young person in East Lothian can come along and share their concerns, queries, issues and ideas. If I was elected as an MSYP I would try and resolve anything that comes my way.
Why should someone vote for you?
I am a confident, committed and independent role model who values the importance of using your voice to be heard, especially as a young person. I’m a member of my pupil council in my school and seeking to also volunteer at my local care home and Girl Guiding Rainbows unit as I care about the people within my community. I also take part in a theatre group in Edinburgh. If I was elected, I would dedicate my time to advocating for better transport services across East Lothian especially for those with disabilities because I understand how frustrating it can be, and making sure it’s a more reliable transport system (campaigning to bringing back the X6 bus). Showcasing the importance of keeping mobile phones in schools, advocating for gyms to be more accessible for young people (such as gyms being open to allowing under 16 year olds to get memberships), advocating for the inequities within schools such as making sure schools have equal budgets so that everyone has equal opportunities for school trips, technology and other resources to close the gap between independent and state run schools. If you want to see these changes and many more, vote for me.