At a Glance
- 2026 Sir David Amess Children’s Parliament comes to Leigh
- Plans to celebrate 5th anniversary with debate in Parliament
- UK National Mace Tour launched
- Children aged 7 to 11 given a voice in democracy
The 2026 Sir David Amess Children’s Parliament comes to Leigh ahead of plans to celebrate 5th anniversary with debate in Parliament.
On Friday, 13 March 2026, Patron of the Children’s Parliament and former MP, Anna Firth along with the Worshipful Mayor of Southend, Cllr Nigel Folkhard, attended St Bonaventure’s Catholic School in Forest Gate to open the 2026 Sir David Amess Children’s Parliament, launch the UK National Mace Tour and swear in 14 newly elected child MP’s and Deputy MP’s.
After introductory talks, the Mayor of Southend donned a black gown and took to the stage as the “acting” Speaker of the Children’s Parliament. The Mayor formally opened the Parliament before being sworn in himself by former MP, Anna Firth, who was also in costume, wearing her Barrister’s wig and gown, as “acting” Senior Clerk to the Children’s Parliament.
Both the Mace and the Children’s Parliament comes to Leigh this month.
History of the Sir David Amess Children’s Parliament
The Children’s Parliament UK, founded by Sir David in August 2021, was designed to give children aged 7 to 11 a voice in the democratic process. Tragically, Sir David was murdered on 15 October 2021, just two weeks before the planned launch of the Children’s Parliament on 29 October 2021.
Despite the heartbreak, organisers working with former MP, Anna Firth, and Patron of the Children’s Parliament, vowed to continue the project in Sir David’s honour, hosting multiple events inside and outside Parliament between 2022 and 2024, including two select committee meetings, visiting Speaker’s House, and meeting the Speaker of the House of Commons, Sir Lindsay Hoyle MP.
Five years on, Sir David’s vision continues to grow
Now, five years later, Sir David’s vision continues to grow. The Sir David Amess Children’s Parliament UK empowers pupils to debate, question, and understand democracy in action. Through local elections, debates, and national assemblies, thousands of primary-age pupils have already participated in the spirit of service he championed.
However, it was Sir David’s dream that the Children’s Parliament would one day hold a national debate for children across the UK in Parliament, and now Anna Firth along with Founder, Richard Hilgrove, are working with MPs, Peers and educationalists to bring his dream to life to coincide with the 5th anniversary of the Children’s Parliament’s formation.
The National Mace Tour
The National Mace Tour symbolises this nationwide movement. Especially made and donated for the Children’s Parliament, the Mace represents the voice of young people in democracy and their right to be heard.
Following the London launch the “Mace Tour” will travel to Leigh-on-Sea this month where Patron, Anna Firth, will facilitate elections to the Children’s Parliament at Fairways School in Belfairs, alongside special guest and former Deputy Speaker of the House of Commons, Baroness Laing of Elderslie.
It will then visit schools across the UK, culminating back at Saint Pierre School, across the road from Sir David’s constituency office, in Leigh on Sea, met by founding head teacher Peter Spencer-Lane.
In October 2026, the mace will travel to Westminster, where children are expected to take part in a historic Children’s Parliament UK debate, marking five years since Sir David’s tragic death.
Importance of the Children’s Parliament in primary schools
Each primary school visit promotes a greater understanding of democracy, teamwork and creates opportunities for primary aged children to grow in confidence and develop oracy skills and with research now showing that 80% of UK young people do not believe that politicians listen to them and fewer than 20% of under-18’s regularly following political news, the work of the Children’s Parliament could not be more timely and important.
Globally, youth participation in democratic activities has fallen by 30% since 2018, reflecting a deepening generational divide that must be addressed through early education.
I believe political disengagement starts with feeling unheard. Teaching children democracy and oracy together develops confidence, empathy and courage – all key life skills.
I have seen children, even as young as seven, grow in confidence when they are encouraged to speak up, listen and take part in meaningful discussions.
By showing children that democracy is not a distant concept but something they can shape and contribute to, we can inspire the next generation of councillors, MPs, citizens and future leaders of our society.
by Anna Firth
Former MP for Southend West