Issue - meetings

To appoint a Youth Mayor for 2019/20, as nominated by the Stevenage Youth Council.

It was moved, seconded and RESOLVED that William Sarenden be elected as Youth Mayor for the 2019/20 Municipal Year.

The Mayor thanked the outgoing Youth Mayor, Ugonna Umunnakwe, for his work as a representative for the young people of Stevenage and as an ambassador for the town. Ugonna Umunnakwe thanked Councillors, Member Services officers, the Youth Council, family and friends for their support. He informed Council that some of the highlights of his term were the visit to twin town of Autun, Stevenage Cycling Festival and judge at the Pride of Stevenage.

Councillor Richard Henry thanked the outgoing Youth Mayor for his work. He informed Members that he was proud that Stevenage had an active Youth Council and was the only authority in Hertfordshire that had a Youth Mayor. Councillor Henry announced that the Youth Council had recently introduced a number of initiatives including formal meetings, debating sessions, a new logo and an increase in online presence.

The Leader thanked the outgoing Youth Mayor. She commended the Youth Council for highlighting mental health of young people.

Council was informed that following an election the Youth Council had nominated William Sarenden as the 2019/2020 Youth Mayor.

It was moved, seconded and RESOLVED that William Sarenden be elected as Youth Mayor for the 2019/2020 Municipal Year.

William Sarenden then signed the declaration of acceptance of office. In his acceptance speech the Youth Mayor thanked those that had supported him during his campaign. He added that he would focus on mental health awareness and anti-bullying.