Islington Council’s newest Young Mayor and Deputy Young Mayor have been elected.
Darey Cletus, 14, will take on the role of Young Mayor, representing Islington’s young people. Diana Lucia Gomez Paniagua, 18, will be this year’s Deputy. They will represent Islington’s Youth Council, which is made up of 12 councillors, and their positions will mean that they have the casting vote among the Council.
Nearly 5,200 young people voted across 13 schools and colleges in the borough, as well as at the youth hubs Lift and Platform.
Darey 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.”
In his manifesto, the teenager promised to campaign on the issue of crime in the borough, a problem he said “must be addressed”.
“Unfortunately some of the youth of today have developed appetites for crime as a way to be cool,” the manifesto read.
Deputy Young Mayor, Diana, said she felt “very happy and proud” to be elected.
She added: “I will work hard at being organised and making time for all of my commitments such as college and Youth Council duties.”
Her focus will be on campaigning against cuts to welfare benefit and social support.
She believes that cuts are causing an increase in poverty levels across the borough. This can force families into temporary accommodation and lead to mental health problems as well as impact on the education of young people.
Images: Islington Council
