Lewisham's young voters elect new Young Mayor

The Bonus Pastor Catholic College pupil won after taking 1,766 votes and becomes Lewisham's 17th directly elected Young Mayor, following the announcement of results in Catford Mews on 21 October. She ran on a manifesto to promote equality of opportunity in the classroom, tackle racism and allow the Black community freedom and security to wear their hair how they feel most comfortable.

Olivia Mardling, also 15, who attends Sydenham School, was elected Deputy Young Mayor after polling 1,431 votes with a manifesto that focussed on putting safety first, including introducing self-defence in more schools and providing better lighting in residential areas.

On election day, 20 October, Lewisham's young people voted at polling stations at schools across the borough. The top five candidates who received the most votes were all young women.
On winning the election, Rosanna said: "I am so happy but also feel a bit overwhelmed. Olivia and I have a lot of responsibility, to make sure all the voices of young people in Lewisham are heard."

The election saw 9,839 youngsters voting, representing a turnout of 50.87%.

Rosanna and Olivia will be in office for one year and will have a budget of £25,000 to spend on priorities identified by young people.

Damien Egan, Mayor of Lewisham, said:

"Huge congratulations to Rosanna on becoming Young Mayor of Lewisham, and to Olivia for becoming Deputy Young Mayor. I look forward to working with them as they put their policies into practice. We have thousands of passionate young people in Lewisham and our Young Mayor Programme – which was established 18 years ago and was the first in the country – has helped them get involved in politics, and bring about positive change in the borough. Well done to all the other candidates and thank you to our outgoing Young Mayor and Deputy Young Mayor Femi Komolafe and Aaliyah Odedina."

Third place in the poll went to Ana Rodrigues, who is elected to represent the London Borough of Lewisham at the UK Youth Parliament. Fourth place went to Moriah Mensah, who is also elected to represent the London Borough of Lewisham at the UK Youth Parliament. Fifth place went to Sheniz Elmaz-Golding, who is elected to represent the London Borough of Lewisham on the London Youth Assembly.