Newly elected Youth Mayor and Deputy Youth Mayor

October 12, 2016 by Southend Borough Council

Thursday 13th October 2015

Southend Youth Council has elected their new Youth Mayor and Deputy Mayor to serve a six month term in office.

John Jenkins, 16, from Southend High School for Girls Sixth Form School in Leigh-on-Sea has been appointed Youth Mayor, and said: “I am delighted to have been selected to represent all young people in Southend.”

“During my six months as Youth Mayor I aim to engage more young people in politics; establish school representatives inside the council and conduct an investigation into work experience in the local area.”

Also elected was Deputy Youth Mayor, Edward Feddon, 18, from Cecil Jones Academy Sixth Form School, Southend-on-Sea who said: “I am truly grateful for everyone that voted for me and John to be the Youth and Deputy Youth Mayor, as we have a great working relationship. I am eager and excited to get started on my campaign and to make a real change in Southend.

Edwards’ campaign aims as Deputy Youth Mayor include a transparent administration, with meeting minutes and events made public.

Reorganisation of school representative roles within the Youth Council for a more democratic and accurate representation of the youth of Southend as well raising awareness around Alzheimer’s with public training and education sessions.

Both Youth Mayor and Deputy Mayor were ceremonially presented with their chains of office by the Worshipful the Mayor of Southend, Cllr Judith McMahon.

Executive Councillor for Children and Learning, Cllr James Courtenay said: “Congratulations to both John and Edward on their election into the Youth Council Office.

“Southend Youth Mayor and Deputy are both positions of importance, as they represent the borough’s young people and their voices in society.

“We are very proud of our outstanding Youth Council and the work they do to for the Southend youth community.

As part of their aims to engage, a Youth Mayor Twitter account @SouthendYMayor has been created to increase social presence online.