Young leaders elected • Salford City Council

Four new leaders have been chosen by young people in Salford to represent their interests and campaign for change.

Oliver Edwards from Eccles was elected as Youth Mayor and Paaniz Afrang from Ordsall as Deputy Youth Mayor. Both will serve one year in office.

Eleanor Holt from Cadishead and Harley Smith from Clarendon were elected as members of the national Youth Parliament to serve two years. The vote was open to all young people aged 11 to 18 in Salford.

All four will work with Salford City Council leaders, partner agencies and elected representatives from Greater Manchester and the north west to deliver their campaigns.

Councillor Jim Cammell, lead member for children’s and young people’s services, welcomed the new team.

“It’s vitally important we take young people’s ideas, wishes and views into account when making decisions for Salford,” he said.

“Young people make a vital contribution to our city. They are young carers, sports stars, artists, musicians, campaigners and activists, volunteers and much more. They are not just the future, they are making things happen now.

Councillor John Walsh, executive support member for education and learning said council representatives were looking forward to working with them.

“We know from the Youth Parliament Make your Mark survey that young people are most concerned about jobs and opportunities and health and wellbeing and these are key priorities for the council too.”

Improving health and wellbeing was one of Oliver Edward’s campaign priorities along with tackling knife crime while Paaniz Afrang wants to work on reducing child poverty.

MPs Eleanor Holt and Harley Smith both campaigned on supporting young people with disabilities, particularly non-visual disabilities. Eleanor is also keen to support mental health services and tackle domestic abuse.