New Youth Mayor team pledge to amplify young voices in Wandsworth

“We want every young person in Wandsworth to feel heard, supported and empowered to succeed.” That is the message from newly elected Youth Mayor Abigail Akindeko, who plans to build on the strong work already underway for young people across the borough.

The 16-year-old, who has grown up and attends school in Wandsworth, says her experiences in the borough inspired her to stand for the role.

“I’ve seen first-hand the culture, diversity and community that make Wandsworth so special,” Abigail said. “Young people across the borough have important ideas, experiences and ambitions, and I want to help make sure they are reflected in the decisions that affect their future.”

Campaigning on priorities including mental health and wellbeing, careers and education opportunities and improving access to youth activities and community engagement, Abigail says collaboration will be central to her approach.

Deputy Youth Mayor Afeefa, 15, says she wants to strengthen the connection between young people and decision-makers while helping create spaces where all young people feel represented and included.

Afeefa says she is passionate about helping young people access the support and opportunities they need to fulfil their potential.

“I want to help create opportunities and spaces that genuinely reflect what young people need.

“As a young Asian girl, I understand how important it is to feel represented in spaces where decisions are made. Every young person, regardless of their background, deserves to feel that they belong and that their voice matters.”

The election of new Youth Mayor and Deputy Youth Mayor, comes shortly after Wandsworth achieved Ofsted’s highest possible rating for children’s services, recognising the council’s strong support for children and young people across the borough.

Councillor George Crivelli, Cabinet Member for Children, praised the commitment and ambition shown by the borough’s young leaders: “We are incredibly proud of the enthusiasm and passion shown by all the young people who took part in this year’s elections.

“Abigail and Afeefa are already inspiring advocates for their peers, and their leadership reflects the strong culture of support and opportunity for young people that helped Wandsworth achieve Ofsted’s highest rating for children’s services.

“We look forward to working closely with them to ensure young people’s voices continue to shape decisions across the borough.”

Youth Council

Abigail and Afeefa have both been actively involved in Wandsworth’s Youth Council prior to their election through a competitive ballot process.

The Youth Mayor role was first introduced in 2023/24, making Abigail the borough’s third Youth Mayor. Since its launch, the role has helped strengthen opportunities for young people to influence local decision-making and represent the views of their peers.

The new Youth Mayor team say they will work closely with youth clubs, schools, local organisations and council leaders over the coming year.

Election process

This year’s Youth Council elections saw record participation, with more than 650 votes cast, reaching more than double the number recorded in the previous year.

Young people from across the borough voted for candidates campaigning on issues including mental health, education and careers, inclusion, youth opportunities and community wellbeing.

The successful candidates were announced following the official Mayor Making ceremony at Wandsworth Town Hall.

The candidates included:

• Abigail Akindeko, 16 
• Afeefa Haroon, 15 
• Daniel White, 17 
• Elizabeth Abraham, 16 
• Layan Bazuti, 15 
• Mahnoor, 15 
• Mikail Jame, 16 
• Summer Mahmoud, 14 

The new team will build on the achievements of previous Youth Mayor representatives, continuing work to strengthen opportunities, representation and support for young people across Wandsworth.

Find out more on Instagram @wbcyouthcouncil or email Wandsworth Youth Council Facilitator Keziah Gordon at Keziah.Gordon@richmondandwandsworth.gov.uk