The search is on to find the next Young Mayor and Member of UK Youth Parliament in North Tyneside.
Young leaders who work, live or attend school or college in the borough, aged 11 to 18, are eligible to stand for one of the prestigious positions, whilst any young person meeting these criteria can vote to elect their preferred candidates for the roles.
The Young Mayor, who will hold office for one year, will act as a figurehead for young people living in North Tyneside. Their role is to give voice to the youth of the borough and act on their behalf to influence the council’s decision making. The Young Mayor works closely with North Tyneside’s elected Mayor and Cabinet, providing a young person’s perspective on policies and procedures within the authority.
Similarly, the elected Member of UK Youth Parliament will be in the position for a year, and their role will involve representing the young people of North Tyneside on a local, regional and national scale. They will raise the views and concerns of North Tyneside’s youth by speaking and debating on their behalf.
Elected Mayor of North Tyneside, Norma Redfearn CBE, said: “The council greatly appreciates the role that our young people play within the authority. Their presence is extremely valuable as it helps to ensure we are listening to and making the best decisions for our young people in the borough.
“Our young people in North Tyneside are hardworking and passionate. I have no doubt that those elected this year will rise to the challenges their new role may bring and become fantastic ambassadors for North Tyneside.
“Our current Young Mayor Max Godfrey and Member of Youth Parliament Hannah Clarke-McKeran, like those that came before them, have been part of some incredible projects. Their opinions and views have certainly enriched the discussions I have with my Cabinet about how the borough can be improved for the benefit of children and young people.
“I would encourage any young person interested in either of the roles to find out more and apply.”
Young Mayor, Max commented: “I have thoroughly enjoyed my experience as North Tyneside’s Young Mayor, it has allowed me to get involved with many rewarding, and sometimes challenging, projects. My time in the role has given me the opportunity to achieve a lot of good whilst also growing my skills and knowledge.
“It has been especially gratifying to get out in the borough and actually see young people thriving as a result of projects and initiatives that I had a hand in creating. I encourage anyone who values giving young people in North Tyneside a voice to apply to become the next Young Mayor, you can make such a difference.”
Member of UK Youth Parliament, Hannah, said, “I have been provided with so many wonderful opportunities through being a Member of UK Youth Parliament. I have been involved in a lot of really rewarding work that I am proud to tell people about. I am so grateful to have had the opportunity to speak at the dispatch box in the House of Commons. I have met young people from all over the UK and made some really good friends.
“If you’re someone who is passionate about uplifting young people to become leaders of our future, I can’t stress enough how rewarding you will find becoming a Member of UK Youth Parliament, and I would encourage you to apply.”
Successful candidates will be supported to carry out their duties outside of the school day in order to ensure they honour all school related commitments.
Nominations open on the 14 November 2022 for candidates commencing their roles in 2023. Completed nominations must be returned by noon on Thursday 8 December 2022.
An important information evening for candidates will take place the following day, on the 9 December at council offices from 5.30 to 7pm.
Voting will take place early in 2023.
Nomination packs are available from Monday 14 November at my.northtyneside.gov.uk, by emailing youngmayor@northtyneside.gov.uk or by calling (0191) 643 8218.
