Record number of youth councillors elected in Wolverhampton

The 54 successful candidates - who attend schools across the city - were officially announced at an event in the Council Chamber which celebrated the Youth Council's many achievements for the last year.

Mayor, councillor Claire Darke was joined by cabinet member for children and young people Councillor John Reynolds, director of children's services, Emma Bennett and deputy chief executive, Mark Taylor.

Councillor Reynolds, said: "Wolverhampton Council is committed to ensuring that our young people are included in the democratic processes and that our services meet their needs, and we welcome the level of challenge and scrutiny that members of our Youth Council provide.

"It was a pleasure to meet them and speak to them about what the role of being a councillor involves."

The new youth councillors are currently taking part in an induction before beginning their term of office next month.

The event, chaired by the youth council chair, Larisa Corr, and vice chair, Melvin Riley, also provided an opportunity to reflect on some of the Youth Council's recent achievements, including a record turnout in Make Your Mark vote which determined the subjects that Youth MPs debated in the House of Commons during Parliament Week.

Youth councillors also helped develop the successful WV Holiday Squad programme of activities for young people during the school holidays.

Councillor Reynolds added: "The Youth Council has been incredibly active this year, raising the profile of Wolverhampton's young people both on a local and national stage, and contributing to the development of services for vulnerable children, young people and their families."

The new councillors will be in their roles for a year.