Croydon set to elect its first young mayor

Young people in Croydon will head to the ballot boxes to elect the borough’s first young mayor Pic: RachelH_ (Flickr)

Young people of Croydon will have the chance to elect the first young mayor in the borough’s history after the decision was made by Croydon Council on Wednesday October 18 to approve the plan for a young mayoral election next spring.

Croydon’s young mayor election is set to be the most exciting of its kind. With approximately 40,000 residents aged 11-18, it is the largest youth population in London.

People aged between 11-18 will be available to vote, while candidates are required to be aged 16-18 and live, work or study in Croydon. All those running for election will have a written manifesto and run a local campaign with the support of their friends and volunteers.

The elected candidate will serve a fixed term and work with other young people in budgeting to benefit local voluntary sector groups. The winner will be elected on a manifesto and be supported in their role by the Mayor of Croydon, senior councillors and council officers. Other young people will get the opportunity to be part of the local youth forums and other youth voice groups.

As part of its youth engagement strategy, Croydon Council is also improving the roles of existing youth cabinet and forums. They will work with the new mayor to raise the profile of young people in local decision-making.

Councillor Alisa Flemming, cabinet member for young people said in a statement: “With more young people than any other area in London and a fantastically diverse community, Croydon’s young mayor election promises to be really exciting.

“It will place our young people firmly at the heart of local democracy by empowering them to choose their own representative, who can be a real voice for them and raise the profile of issues that matter to them.

“With so many talented, enthusiastic and hardworking young people in our borough, I know the successful candidates will be an inspiration for residents of all ages, not only for young people they represent.”

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