A teenager has made local history by becoming the first young person from Carmarthenshire to be appointed to the UK Youth Select Committee for the 2025/26 term.

Seventeen-year-old Evie Somers from Carmarthen, has been a dedicated member of the Carmarthenshire Youth Council for the past two years. Her successful application saw her chosen by the UK Parliament and the National Youth Agency to sit on the influential Youth Select Committee – a platform that empowers young people to scrutinize and hold inquiries on key issues affecting youth across the UK.

The Youth Select Committee mirrors the processes of a House of Commons Select Committee and comprises 12 young people aged 14–19 from different UK regions. Members conduct investigations, gather evidence from academics, policymakers, and professionals, and produce formal reports with recommendations sent directly to government.

Evie, the sole representative from Wales, attended her first online meeting earlier this week and will take her seat in the UK Parliament in London this September for the committee’s first in-person session.

Evie said: “I’m excited to work alongside passionate young people from across the UK to explore the issues that matter most to us. This opportunity will allow me to develop new skills, learn from experts and most importantly, help influence decisions that affect young people’s lives.

“I’m grateful to the UK Parliament and the National Youth Agency for selecting me. As the sole representative for Wales on this unique committee, I am committed to putting Welsh interests at the forefront of my work. Throughout my tenure, I will bring a strong grassroots focus while ensuring consistent, national-level representation for young people in Wales.”

Cllr Glynog Davies, Cabinet Member for Education and Welsh Language, said:“We are incredibly proud of Evie’s achievement in securing a place on the UK Youth Select Committee - a first for Carmarthenshire. Her dedication to youth voice and representation is inspiring, and she will be a powerful advocate not only for young people in our county but across Wales. This is a significant milestone, and I have no doubt Evie will make a meaningful contribution to national discussions that shape the future for her generation.”

Evie’s appointment is a testament to her passion for civic engagement and youth advocacy, and she is expected to play a vital role in shaping discussions and recommendations on the issues that matter most to young people.