28.05.2009

Press Release
19 YEAR OLD HOPEFUL SEEKS TO BE THE YOUNGEST MEP

Princess Diana Award winner, Steven Cheung is standing as an independent for London in the European Elections.  19 year old Cheung could become the youngest ever Member of the European Parliament if elected, and the first British Chinese/Filipino candidate ever to run for a seat in Brussels.

Unfazed, Cheung is not shy about his age ‘In theory anyone 18 or over can run for a seat in parliament, but that is just theory. For too long, important decisions which affect the future of young people have been made for us, without any representation from young people’.  The European Election is not for the faint hearted as there is a minimum deposit requirement of £5,000. ‘That is one reason why you have so few young people standing’ claims Cheung.

‘I am passionate about Europe, but right now, many people in London feel a great distance from the whole process. That is why I want to stand. The general public want an open and fresh approach to politics and through my candidacy I hope to reinvigorate the public mood and capture the disengaged. I want to make sure there is a real voice for young people and for all the other minority groups. We can shape our future together’.

In the last 12 months, Cheung has taken a gap year from his studies. He was elected the London 2012 Olympic Ambassador for Waltham Forest and then appointed by the Ministry of Justice as a Young Advisor. He was consulted for his viewpoints as a young person by the Metropolitan police on security issues for the G20 summit and also meets regularly with Jack Straw, the Lord Chancellor and Hazel Blears, the Secretary for Communities with his advisory work. Recognised for his outstanding efforts in developing communities and the lives of others, Cheung has also been awarded with a Princess Diana Award this year.

Cheung was born in Hong Kong and has lived in London from an early age where he now lives with his parents and brothers. Cheung is of Filipino and Chinese heritage. Since completing his A’ level studies, Cheung has dedicated his time to working on Government sponsored youth projects. He is also a DJ on SW1 Radio, the Westminster community station and on Spectrum Radio International.

For images and further information, please contact Nigel on 07903 190635.

 

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