New Young Mayor and Deputy elected for Islington

A new Young Mayor and Deputy Young Mayor have been elected for Islington. 

Taiga Asada and Abu Mensah (both 17) were elected by their fellow Islington youth councillors.  They take over from Hiba Warsame and Shanaz Shaw, who have now completed their 12 months in the roles.

Young mayor Taiga Asada attends Islington Consortium Sixth Form. He said:

“I am really happy to be elected as Islington’s Young Mayor and want this year to really count in terms of making progress with our priorities. “

Taiga’s deputy, Abu Mensah, said:

“I thank my fellow youth councillors for voting for me and I feel prepared for my new role as Deputy Young Mayor”.  Abu is currently studying at the STEM Academy in Islington.

There are 11 Islington youth councillors who represent the voice of young people in the borough. Since beginning their electoral term in February 2014, the councillors have been involved in a wide range of projects and have had vital input into the council’s recent Employment Commission report, providing feedback on their experiences of careers advice in schools.

Cllr Joe Caluori, Islington Council’s executive member for children and families, said:

“Hiba and Shazzy have been brilliant in their roles as Young Mayor and Deputy Young Mayor, and it’s been a pleasure working with both them and their fellow youth councillors.  They are real future leaders. It’s important that young people in Islington have a voice and I’m really looking forward to working with Taiga and Abu over the coming year and hearing about their ideas.”

Islington youth councillors attend full council meetings on a quarterly basis, where they are invited to ask questions on issues raised by young people in the borough.

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