On Thursday 12^th October Bridget Prentice MP and Mayor Steve Bullock were present as Siobhan Bell was elected Lewisham’s third Young Mayor – the first female to hold the post.

The 17 year-old from Crossways Academy won after taking 1,948 votes and was joined by a female deputy, Luziane Tchiegue-Nouta, 15, from Sydenham School.In total 7,967 youngsters voted in the elections – a 43 per cent turnout. The scheme established ,by the Mayor, in 2004 has gone from strength to strength. Proving wrong those who said young people cannot be engaged and have lost touch with democracy. Since its launch the number of 16 and 17-year-olds registering to vote in local and national elections has risen by 108 per cent. The Young Mayor has a £25,000 budget to spend on youth orientated schemes and is supported by a dedicated Young Advisory Group.

• Bridget wished Siobhan every success and gave her thanks to all the candidates who took part – because without them there would have been no election.