Young Mayor election inspires record turnout

Deng Yan San has been elected as Tower Hamlets’ next Young Mayor. She won 2,663 of the votes cast in the record turnout of 71.95%. A total of 10,775 votes were cast for the 14 candidates in the polling stations in schools and youth centres. Seasoned punters, watching her delight, could only cross their fingers and hope that this is one election in Tower Hamlets which will pass with only congratulations rather than grumpiness and challenge.

Deng, who attends George Green’s school, was loudly congratulated as the newly vindicated John Williams, the Borough’s Returning Officer, announced the election outcome at the results and inauguration ceremony at the Town Hall on 29th January. Her two deputies are Shofiqul Alom (Sir John Cass School) and Monsur Ali (Morpeth).

Deng is the seventh Young Mayor and will hold the post for two years. She greeted her victory by thanking her supporters, saying: “I am incredibly grateful to all of you who voted for me and put your trust in me – I will not let you down. Our team will hit the ground running, and we will help this borough shine. Project Forte, empowering young people in local politics and bridging the gap between young people and the Young Mayor, still remains very important too. I will work my utmost hardest to make sure I can fulfil all the promises I have made and even more.”

Mayor of Tower Hamlets, Lutfur Rahman, said: “This year we saw a 71% turnout which demonstrates the success of engaging our young people with politics and local democracy. I had the pleasure of meeting the candidates ahead of the campaigning period and was extremely impressed with the skills and talent they all have. Every young person who took part should feel proud to have played a crucial role in the elections. I strongly encourage all the candidates to stay involved with the council and I look forward to formally meeting and working with the new team.”

Cabinet Member for Education & Children’s Services Cllr Gulam Robbani congratulated all the candidates’ dedication, commitment and enthusiasm throughout the process. He said: “The council continues to invest in our young people. A scheme like this allows them to stand up for democracy and be represented. I am delighted that so many young people came out to make their vote count in the Young Mayor election.”

The retiring Young Mayor team spoke about their achievements over the past two years which included chairing conferences, hosting borough wide events and creating opportunities for young people. The outgoing Young Mayor also had the chance to take part in various debates at the House of Commons last year and has represented the young people of Tower Hamlets in meetings across London. The new Young Mayor and her two deputies will now meet with council officers to plan how they willdeliver their pledges.

•To find out more visit www.towerhamlets.gov.uk/YoungMayor or email Young.Mayor@towerhamlets.gov.uk