Islington Youth Council: 24 teens hit the campaign trail

Teenagers are often accused of being apathetic and not politically engeged, but here in Islington it seems that there are plenty of young people wanting to make a difference: twenty-four teenagers are currently vying for one of eight seats on Islington's new youth council, looking to become the borough's first ever youth councillors.

With campaign promises ranging from addressing negative perceptions of young people to increasing learning and employment opportunities, the potential councillors aged between 13 and 17 are a passionate and dedicated bunch who will have the power to make real change in Islington. The youngest candidate only turned 13 this month and two of the candidates are twin sisters.

Election day is on the 9 February – polling stations will be set up in secondary schools and youth hubs across the borough and every child aged between 11 and 17 who lives or goes to school in the borough is eligible to vote.

The new youth council will be at the centre of commissioning and decision making in Islington, making sure that the voices of young people are heard and acted on.

Cllr Richard Watts, Islington Council's executive member for children and families, said: "I wish all the candidates the best of luck. This is a very exciting time for Islington and I can't wait to work with our new youth council –to hear their ideas and to learn from them.

"Young people are being hit the hardest by the recession and government cuts, but Islington Council continues to invest in more services for young people.  We want every young person to have the opportunities and the support to help them succeed."