Why a Young Mayor?
Lewisham as a borough has a very credible history of encouraging children and young people’s participation in local democracy thanks to the strong commitment of the Mayor, Steve Bullock, councillors, and officers.
There are a range of different programmes and forums for engaging children and young people in citizenship activities, including a Young Citizen’s Panel of over 270 young people, school councils, young people’s forums, and youth participation projects. To provide a focus and a channel for young people’s views and opinion to be heard by decision makers, it was proposed by the Mayor of Lewisham, Steve Bullock, to have a Young Mayor, supported by an Youth Advisors Group and a Young Citizens Panel, who would have access to the full range of young people’s forums and networks in addition to school councils.
What is the remit of the the Young Mayor?
The Young Mayor will serve a one year term and:
- be an advocate and spokesperson for the borough’s young people
- inform and advise the current Mayor Steve Bullock on issues relating to young people
- work with the Young Advisors and Young Citizens Panel to inform the work of the Mayor, council and other decision-making bodies
- oversee a budget of at least £25,000.
First Young Mayor?
Aged 15 years of age, Manny Hawks was elected as the first ever Young Mayor for Lewisham in April 2004, and became the only democratically elected Young Mayor in the country. Over 7400 young people, between 11 - 17 years of age voted in the 2004 election - there were 39 other candidates.