A teenage mayor in charge of volunteer groups' budgets will be in office my next spring

Tens of thousands of young people in Croydon will get a taste of local democracy and a new ambassador when London’s largest youth population elects its first 'young mayor' next spring.

Voting will be open to young people aged 11-18, while candidates will be required to be aged 16-18 and live, work or study in Croydon. All those standing for election will prepare a written manifesto and run a local campaign with the support of their friends and volunteers.

The winning candidate will serve a fixed term and work with other young people to manage a budget that will benefit local voluntary sector groups.

“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," Councillor Alisa Flemming said.

“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."

Any young people standing will also get an opportunity to be part of the local youth forums and other youth voice groups.