About the young mayor

The young mayor provides a focus and a channel for young people’s views to be heard by decision-makers.

The young mayor gets support from young advisers and the young citizens' panel. They have access to the full range of young people’s forums, networks and school councils.

We have the longest established young mayor programme in the country (it was started in 2004 by Sir Steve Bullock, former Mayor of Lewisham). It is influential in encouraging other councils to provide this opportunity for young people.

What does the young mayor do?

The young mayor serves a one-year term and:

• supports, and is a spokesperson for, the borough’s young people
• informs and advises the mayor on issues relating to young people
• works with the young advisers and young citizens' panel to inform the work of the mayor, Council and other decision-making bodies
• oversees a budget of at least £25,000.

How is the young mayor chosen?

Every year we hold a democratic election through schools and colleges to choose the young mayor.