Winner of Speaker's 'My Democracy Design' competition announced

Winner announced as 11 year old Alice Forbes

Alice Forbes, aged 11 from Lancashire, has been named as the winner – receiving a special commemorative tile which has been based on her own striking design.

The final panel of judges – which included the Leader of the House, Rt Hon. Jacob Rees-Mogg MP and Shadow Leader of the House, Rt Hon. Valerie Vaz MP – were particularly impressed with Alice’s interpretation of the theme ‘My Democracy Design’. Alice’s design featured a hand-drawn image of the Palace of Westminster, incorporating the emblems of all four nations of the United Kingdom. The centrepiece of the tile includes a drawing that symbolised the importance of voting in the future.

Participants were advised that inspiration could come from a variety of areas, such as famous moments in the history of Parliament, or even what they would like democracy to look like in the next 150 years.

"Eye-catching design"

Making the announcement during this year’s UK Parliament Week, Head of Education and Engagement for UK Parliament, David Clark, said:

“We received some fantastic entries to the ‘My Democracy Design’ competition this year. The judges were incredibly impressed with the both the quality and messages behind the designs we saw – which show just how engaged the young people of this country are with democracy.

“Alice’s eye-catching design really stood out amongst the entries we received – providing a really optimistic and inclusive view of the future of our UK Parliament.”

Alice, the winner of the Speaker’s ‘My Democracy Design’ competition, said:

“I am very happy to have won the 'My Democracy Design' competition. I've been able to learn a lot about democracy when designing my tile. I visit London often with my family, and I think the Palace of Westminster is an amazing building.”

The Palace of Westminster at 150 

Alice will receive a certificate from Sir Lindsay Hoyle, Speaker of the House of Commons, alongside a framed copy of her design. Alice’s design will then be transformed into her own unique democracy themed tile evoking the famous encaustic tiles that the Palace of Westminster is known for. They will also receive a goody bag from the Houses of Parliament shop.

Two runners up will also see their designs framed and receive a signed certificate from Sir Lindsay Hoyle. They also receive a goody bag from the Houses of Parliament shop.

Open to young people aged between six and 15, the online competition formed part of a programme of activities for the 150th birthday which included public talks, a new virtual tour of the Palace of Westminster, an online art gallery and range of social media activities.