The race is on to find Mansfield’s next Youth Mayor as pupils take to the polls on Thursday, 13 October, to vote.

This year there are four candidates who have begun their campaign to win the election and act as a spokesperson for the district’s young people. They have been nominated by their school and join the race from; All Saints Catholic Academy, The Brunts Academy, Samworth Church Academy and Vision West Nottinghamshire College.

Each candidate has prepared a manifesto for the consideration of all eligible voters in the hope of attracting votes from the young people of Mansfield. Candidates are aged between 14 and 18 and will serve a one year term to:

· Act as an ambassador for Mansfield at various conferences and events

· Inform and advise the executive Mayor on issues relating to young people

· Act as a role model for her/his peers across the district.

The candidates and their priorities are:

Morgan Curtis- Vision West Nottinghamshire College

“As youth mayor I know I can make the choices that matter to the young people of Mansfield, I know I will be able to provide strong leadership and I know how to secure our core British values and opportunities presented to youths in our district.”

Faith Julius-Adebeisi- The Brunts Academy

“Have you ever felt as if you have an opinion, something to say that will actually make things happen? No need to worry because I will do everything in my power to make a difference and have your opinions heard.”

Anna Rigby – The Samworth Church Academy

“I aim to help young people to achieve more by providing more information and opportunities such as reduced discrimination by educating young people about minority groups”

Khaleel Zareen – All Saints Catholic Academy

“I would like to be youth mayor to improve the Mansfield area for young people by giving them a voice through me.

“I’d also like to bring the community closer together by hosting various charity and special events. There are many things I want to change for the better.”

Once elected, the Youth Mayor will represent young people in the district and take their views to the Mayor, Members and officers of the council, partnership organisations and the community. The winning candidate will take over from last year’s Youth Mayor Jake Baldry.

Other schools and colleges participating in the election are: The Brunts Academy, The Manor Academy, Queen Elizabeth’s Academy, Vision West Nottinghamshire College and the SFE Group at My Place.

Executive Mayor Kate Allsop said: “The Youth Mayor will be an important ambassador for our district and will act as the voice for our young people so it is very important that pupils read each candidate’s manifesto and vote.

“I’d like to take this opportunity to wish all the candidates the very best of luck.”

To read each candidate’s full manifesto, visit www.mansfield.gov.uk/youthmayor and be ready to vote in a participating school on Thursday, 13 October.

Pictured is current Youth Mayor Jake Baldry.