The Borough of Newham’s young people have elected Tomiwa Akintunde as their eleventh Young Mayor.

Newham Council is one of a few local authorities that have a Young Mayor,  the scheme is designed to get young people involved in the issues that directly effect them as well as help shape local polices.

The Young Mayor, along with the 20 Youth councillors will represent young people throughout the borough, working with youth groups, schools and colleges.

The announcement was made on Wednesday at the Old Town Hall “I am elated,” said Tomiwa, 14, after his victory was announced “I thank everyone who voted for me and I thank those who supported me throughout my campaigning.”

The chain of office was presented by Deputy Mayor Ken Clark who said “I was impressed by all the candidates and their campaigning. I am looking forward to seeing how Tomiwa will fulfil his duty to the young people of Newham. I also thank teachers for supporting the Young Mayor election process.”

Tomiwa, a student at Kingsford Community School, Beckton, is looking forward to delivering his manifesto pledges to make Newham a better place. He said: “I want to introduce different festivals throughout the year to promote culture and diversity and to portray young people’s talents. I also want to ensure cheaper tuition to make sure children can do well in their exams.”

This year the turnout for the young Mayor elections was high, 79 per cent, an increase on last year by three per cent, with a total of 14,012 votes cast by voters aged 11 to 18 for 21 candidates at polling stations located in 17 schools and colleges.

This years members of the Youth council are:

• Henry Ogoli – Newham Sixth Form Collegiate Centre
• Deborah Duke – Plashet School
• Mooskan Gul – Plashet School
• Safa Khan – Sarah Bonnell School
• Wameeq Shah – St Bonaventure’s Sixth Form
• Aida Chowdhury – Forest Gate Community School
• Summayya Shah – Brampton Manor Sixth Form
• Mihaela Revencu – The Cumberland School
• Gabrielle Aimee – London Design and Engineering UTC
• Gremy Anna Baby – St Angela’s Ursuline School
• Mekha Periakaruppan – The Royal Docks Community School
• Siobhan O’Farrell – Sarah Bonnell School
• James Halliwell – St Bonaventure’s Sixth Form
• Sheila Nganga – The Cumberland School
• Harvey Saunders – Forest Gate Community School
• Nazia Khanam – Forest Gate Community School
• Hasnain Ahmed – Langdon Academy
• Anum Ahmad – Little Ilford School
• Raya Haroub – Plashet School
• Raissa Embalo – Stratford Academy