Young People Urged to Vote for Youth Mayor

Five candidates bidding for role in election on 20th May

Ealing youngsters are being urged to make their voices heard and take part in the fifth youth mayor elections at Westside Young People’s Centre at 6pm on Monday 20 May.

The youth mayor is like an ordinary mayor, but with specific responsibility for young people. Their role is to listen to young people and work with Ealing councillors and council staff and to make sure young people’s views are taken into account when decisions are made.

The outgoing mayor is Sagar Ghelani (17) from Southall. He has spent the last year representing young people’s views at some high profile events, including the official opening of Westside Young People’s Centre. The centre was opened by His Royal Highness, the Duke of York in February.

Teenagers have been campaigning for votes for the last month. This stage of voting closes on 10 May and the five candidates with the most votes will face a final vote at the Election Evening on Monday 20 May. They will each take turns at introducing their manifesto before the audience casts its votes. Any young Ealing resident can come along on the night and take part in the election.

The final five candidates are Sabir Abbas (13) from Villiers High School, Khursheed Kamranzai (14) from Brentside High School, Ikraan Binyusuf (15) from Greenford High School, Yasmin Rufo (15) from Elthorne Park High School and Julian Kerr (19) from the Connexions Pathway work placement programme.

Councillor Jasbir Anand, cabinet member for children and young people, said: “The youth mayor is an important local role and this election process is taken seriously by the council. We are committed to listening to our young people and including them in decision making.

“I’d like to offer my congratulations to Sagar on a very successful year. He has done a brilliant job at representing Ealing youth and I hope he will take away some wonderful memories and experiences that he can put to good use in his future ventures.”

Cllr Roz Reece, Shadow Member for Children and Young People said, " I hope as many young people as possible will take the opportunity to vote for the next Youth Mayor, who is elected to be their voice. Hopefully, this opportunity will also inspire them to actively participate in the democratic process when they become young adults."

All young people are welcome to attend the election evening on Monday 20 May at Westside Young People’s Centre, Churchfield Road, W13 9NF. For more information, go to www.youngealing.co.uk.

May 14, 2013