BRENT Youth Parliament has elected a new chairman who has vowed to fight cuts and protect services.

Kishan Parshotam, 18, a member of Northwick Park Youth Club, has represented the borough's young people for four years already and one the top job in the organisation in an election on Saturday.

He said: “Being elected as chair was a massive surprise. It was great to see everyone getting thoroughly engaged with the election process.

“However, BYP has a lot of good work to build on - we won't be taking time out to relax. With young people being affected so much by the cuts both locally and nationally, BYP will have to act accordingly.

“We will aim to protect the services we need, provide alternatives and be completely proactive. The 72 members will be fighting for the rights of the 72,000 young people that we represent.”

Adam Massoud, 16, was elected as vice-chair while Seyedeh Banei-Moniri, 15, was selected as the media representative.

Cassandra Cheng, 17, is now the UK Youth Parliament representative and Kyron Jevonte-Greenwood, 13, will be her deputy.