Young people across Derby have made their voices heard in a landmark election, choosing their next Youth Mayor in a record-breaking vote.
India Johal, a student at Littleover Community School, has been elected as Derby's Youth Mayor for 2025, with Maryam Riaz from Derby Moor Academy taking on the role of Deputy Youth Mayor. Both will officially take up their positions at Derby City Council's Annual General Meeting in May 2025.
This year's election saw unprecedented participation with 12,024 votes cast by young people from schools across the city - the highest turnout in the history of Derby's Youth Mayor elections. The impressive turnout highlights the growing enthusiasm among young people to take an active role in local democracy.
The success of the election was made possible by a collaborative effort between Derby City Council's Democracy and Early Help teams, local schools and Derbyshire Police Cadets, who played a key role in counting the votes.
Councillor Paul Hezelgrave, Cabinet Member for Children, Young People and Skills, praised the high level of engagement and congratulated the newly elected Youth Mayor and Deputy Youth Mayor:
This record turnout shows the enthusiasm of our young people to get involved in local democracy and it's inspiring to see them taking such an active role in shaping the future of their city. India and Maryam should be incredibly proud of their achievement, and I have no doubt that they will be fantastic representatives of Derby's young people. Congratulations to both and well done to all the candidates who put themselves forward - it's encouraging to see so many young people passionate about making a difference.
Taking part in elections (whether for Youth Mayor, school councils or national elections) gives young people a voice in the decisions that affect their lives. The record turnout in this year's Youth Mayor election proves that young people in Derby are engaged and want to make a difference. By voting, they are helping to shape policy and influence the future of their communities. If you want to get involved and find out more about youth democracy, local decision-making and how to make your voice heard, visit the Your Voice: Children and Young People website: www.derby.gov.uk/council-and-democracy/your-voice-children-young-peopleOpens in new tab.
As India and Maryam prepare to take up their new roles, Derby City Council would like to congratulate them and thank all the young people who took part in making this a landmark moment for youth engagement in Derby.