Liverpool youngsters are set to play a part in civic life from this week when they are sworn in as Junior and Young Lord Mayors.
On Wednesday 30 October, 24 new Junior and Young Lord Mayors will take their places at Liverpool Town Hall at a special ceremony in the presence of Lord Mayor, Councillor Gary Millar.
Councillor Gary Millar said: “This is a fantastic opportunity for our young people to take part in all aspects of life in and around the Town Hall and I am delighted that so many pupils have taken such an interest in civic life.
“This will be an interesting year for all of them. I know they will all grow in confidence and I am sure they will all enjoy their time as Junior and Young Lord Mayors as much as I enjoy being Lord Mayor!
“I aim to show them as many aspects of my life as possible.
“I wish them every success for the next 12 months, I am sure they will all do a fantastic job of representing their city.”
Jeff Dunn, Director of Liverpool Schools’ Parliament said: “Almost 80 students stood for election. They showed great confidence when delivering speeches of the highest quality and all of them would have been worthy of representing the city.
“Those voting had a difficult task in deciding upon the fortunate 24.
“We wish them well and hope that they have a successful and enjoyable term of office.”
In October 2009 Liverpool became the first authority in the UK to actively involve its children and young people in the civic process on a regular basis when 12 primary school children and 12 secondary school pupils were sworn in at Liverpool Town Hall as the city’s first Junior and Young Lord Mayors.
Each child takes part in civic life by shadowing the Lord Mayor for one month. This involves them accompanying the Lord Mayor to a number of civic and community event, ranging from services in one of the city’s magnificent cathedrals to judging a fancy dress competition.
All Junior and Young Lord Mayors are Members of Liverpool Schools’ Parliament. They must also give a speech before their fellow members who cast votes to decide who will be the lucky 24 for the next 12 months.
Junior Lord Mayors – primary school age
Abbie Barlow – Hunts Cross
Sam Dutton – The Beacon
Megan Hall – St Paschal Baylon
Emily Head – St Oswald’s Juniors
Joseph McDermott – Springwood Heath
Priyan Patel – Alder Hey Hospital Youth Forum
Ellie-Jay Smith – Rice Lane Juniors
Poppy Sumner – Wavertree CE
Sean Webster – St Austin’s
Oliver Whitelaw – Arnot St Mary’s
George Williams-Lane – Knotty Ash
Young Lord Mayors – secondary school age
Ciara Brodie – Calderstones
Mariann Chesham – Broadgreen International
Katie Daley – Aigburth HS
James Douglas – West Derby
David Grant – King David HS
Katie Lou Holland – Belvedere
Jake James – Academy of St Francis of Assisi
Ellie Larkins – Alder Hey Hospital Youth Forum
Ben Lavelle – Enterprise South Liverpool Academy
Audrey Mberezenga – Holly Lodge
Chloe Moran – Belvedere
Sarah Skelland – Sandfield Park
