Tower Hamlets on the look out for new young mayor » Local Government » 24dash.com

Youngsters in Tower Hamlets have just two weeks left to stake their claim to become the borough’s new Young Mayor.
All 11-18 year-olds living or studying in the borough are eligible to be the Young Mayor of Tower Hamlets, but time is running out for those who have not submitted their nomination form yet.

Nominations for anyone wishing to be a candidate for the Young Mayor elections must be received by Tower Hamlets Council’s Youth Services team by Monday 1 December. All candidates will then be given the chance to write their manifesto and present it to the youngsters across the borough before they head to the polls for the Young Mayor elections in January.

The Young Mayor of Tower Hamlets is the voice of the borough’s young residents. Along with their deputies, they will work with the council’s Youth Services staff to make sure the opinions of young people in the borough are listened to. They will also regularly join together with their counterparts in other local authorities to form the UK Youth Parliament – which sees young people up and down the country discuss the issues affecting young people today.

Importantly, the Young Mayor can also make a real difference to the community through the Young Mayor’s fund. The fund provides the Young Mayor with up to £30k to spend on a specific project, with the Young Mayor supported by Youth Services staff throughout. It means whoever is successful in the elections will be able to help fund new after school clubs, community centre refurbishments or improvements to their local youth project.

The current Young Mayor of Tower Hamlets is Akram Hussain, and he is supported in the role by his two deputies Alex Kuye and Faiza Mukith (pictured). The elections to see who will be Young Mayor of Tower Hamlets for 2009 will take place in January, and young people will be able to cast their vote in schools and youth projects across the borough.

Faiza Mukith, Deputy Young Mayor of Tower Hamlets is urging people to send their nominations in: “Young people should apply to become Young Mayor because it is a fantastic opportunity to give something back to the community.

“The knowledge you gain from being on the Young Mayor team is amazing!”

The council’s Youth Services team are accepting nominations for 2009 candidates now. Those interested can pick up a nomination form from their school or youth project. Forms are also available on www.amp.uk.net and young people can also email youngmayor@towerhamlets.gov.uk or text “Mayor” and their name and address to 07931 271 519 to receive a nomination form. Nominations close on 1 December 2008.