Call for Youth Mayor for Bristol to combat voter apathy

Sam Townend, Labour’s Prospective MP for Bristol North West, is leading calls for a youth mayor for Bristol as a proposal to combat voter apathy.

Sam said, “In the last few General Elections the number of people voting has declined and that is especially true among younger people.  In the 2005 Election only 35% of people aged 18- 24 voted as compared to 74% of those aged 65% and over.  Locally, we have to do something to get younger people interested, involved and voting if we want our elected politicians to be truly representative of all of Bristol. 

One way we might do this is to introduce an elected Youth Mayor for Bristol.  A distinct focus and voice for young people in the City with the authority to speak on behalf of young residents to all Bristol’s politicians.

All young people in Bristol would be eligible to stand.  We should keep party politics out of it and help the young people who are interested in standing put together manifestos.  The Council could put aside a modest pot of money like they are doing for the Neighbourhood Partnerships for the successful candidate to spend on their manifesto objectives.  Potentially, if elected the Youth Mayor could work closely with the Lord Mayor, have immediate access to our Council leaders and represent the voice of young people in the local media.”

Sam rejected the idea that it would be costly,  “This could be done pretty cost effectively because elections for the Youth Mayor could be held alongside the elections for the little-known UK Youth Parliament representatives which already take place- boosting their profile too.”

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