Islington has a new Young Mayor and Deputy Young Mayor

Darey Cletus was elected as the new Young Mayor, and Diana Lucia Gomez Paniagua will be his Deputy. Their fellow youth councillors elected them on Monday 15th February. 

 

The pair will be responsible for representing Islington's Youth Council both locally and regionally, and will lead the work of the Youth Council during their first year in term.

 

Young Mayor Darey was delighted to be elected. He said: “I am excited about what the role will entail. I feel joyful that my fellow youth councillors have voted for me and have confidence in my ability to do the role of young mayor.”

 

New Deputy Young Mayor Diana was also proud to be elected. She said: “I feel very happy and proud of myself and supported by the other youth councillors. I will work hard to be organised and make time for all of my commitments such as college and youth council duties.”

 

Islington Council’s executive member for children and families, Cllr Joe Caluori, said: “Congratulations to Darey and Diana and all of our youth councillors! 

 

“Our youth councillors and young mayors play an important part in local democracy and decision-making. 

 

“Our young people are the future of borough, and their insights and input are invaluable to our efforts to make Islington a fairer place – for all generations.”

 

Over 5,000 local young people voted in the Youth Council election last November. Since then the youth councillors have been undergoing an exciting and comprehensive induction – aimed at equipping them with the skills and knowledge required to meet the challenges of their new roles. 

 

The youth councillors will be responsible for ensuring the opinions of local young people are heard, and will campaign for services in Islington to be responsive to the needs and interests of their peers. 

 

They will work with council officers and elected members to make sure young people have a key role in planning, designing, delivering, and reviewing services. 

 

The 12 youth councillors began their electoral term on 1 February. 

 

Find out more about the youth council at izzy-info.com, or follow them on Facebook.com/IslingtonYC or Twitter @IslingtonYC.