Young Mayor and Deputy Young Mayor presented with chains of office

Croydon celebrated a historic moment when the borough’s first ever Young Mayor and Deputy Young Mayor were presented with their chains of office this week.

Young Mayor William Awomoyi and Deputy Young Mayor Shea Williams have worked with the council to develop the design, after being elected as Croydon’s first Young Mayor and Deputy following elections last year. The design is based on the borough’s crest.

They were formally presented with the chains before Monday’s council meeting by The Mayor of Croydon, councillor Bernadette Khan; Leader of the Council, councillor Tony Newman; and cabinet member for children, young people and learning, councillor Alisa Flemming.

William Awomoyi said: “It feels great to get this because it is a legacy for the next Young Mayor and the Young Mayor after that, and it is a symbol of how young people have the power to change things.”

Shea Williams said: “I’m very happy; it shows how our hard work is being recognised. This has definitely improved my life and I look forward to what it brings next. It’s also a beautiful chain – purple is my favourite colour.”

With more than 93,000 young people, Croydon is home to the largest youth population in the capital, and the borough’s Young Mayor and Deputy Young Mayor represent one in four young Londoners. More than 12,000 young people from across the borough headed to the ballot box for last year’s inaugural Young Mayor elections. The next ones will be held in September 2019.

“I’m proud to present William and Shea with their chains of office. To me, it is a symbol of our commitment to the office of Young Mayor, and to our young people – that we will always encourage them to raise their voices, and put them at the heart of all we do. I hope these chains will be passed to many generations.”

Councillor Alisa Flemming, cabinet member for children, young people and learning

2021-08-20T15:38:34+01:00 April 5th, 2019|Recent news|