Fifteen-year- old says she 'can't believe' she was picked
Yasmin Rufo,15, has been elected as Ealing’s fifth youth mayor. Yasmin is a student at Elthorne Park High School, Hanwell.
She already has experience of politics as she has spent the last year representing Ealing in the UK Youth Parliament. Her priorities for her year in office include raising awareness of teenage mental health issues, equal opportunities for all and the creation of a borough-wide consultation of young people on the issues that affect them in their daily lives.
Yasmin competed against 10 other candidates during a two-week campaign which saw them visit schools, youth centres, projects and special schools to rally support and persuade youngsters to give them their vote. In total, 3,621 young people from across the borough went to polling booths or voted online for their favourite candidate.
Yasmin said: "I still can’t believe that I’ve been elected as Ealing’s youth mayor. I’m grateful for everyone’s votes and am looking forward to representing young people in the coming year."
Councillor Jasbir Anand, cabinet member for children and young people said: "I would like to congratulate all of the candidates on a hard fought campaign and especially Yasmin for winning the election. The youth mayor plays a very important role in the council, championing the interests of young residents and representing them at official events. I look forward to working with her over the next 12 months."
For more information on the role of the youth mayor, go to www.youngealing.co.uk.
22nd May 2013