THE first winner of an award recognising young people in politics has been congratulated.

Warrington South MP Faisal Rashid has praised Jonathan Hackett on being the first recipient of the Faisal Rashid MP Future Leader Award.

It was handed out at this year's Warrington Youth Awards at the Peace Centre on Saturday.

Jonathan was referred to Buddy Up with Onside Warrington Youth Club in 2016, which introduced him to the Warrington Youth Parliament.

He was nominated for the award alongside Chris Newton and Megan Kettle.

Mr Rashid said: "It is a real honour to sponsor the Future Leader Award.

"I am extremely passionate about helping and inspiring young people to achieve their goals.

"It is so important for our young people to be engaged in politics to ensure that they have the tools they need to help make informed political choices, which will affect how our country, and indeed our world, is run in the future.

"Once again, congratulations to Jonathan.

"I look forward to hearing about his political endeavours in the years to come.

"And I very much look forward to welcoming him to Parliament in the coming months."