Lambeth’s new youth mayor has pledged to provide more social activities and links to the business community for young people.

Simone Lala, 14, was announced Lambeth’s new youth mayor after an election night held at the Town Hall on Friday March 23. Simone, a Bishop Thomas Grant School student living in Brixton, will have a £25,000 budget to help improve opportunities for young people. Current Mayor, David Oyedele, 16, will hand over the role on April 1.

Simone, said: “I’m so excited to be voted as Lambeth’s new youth mayor. Not every young person is fortunate enough to have a family, home, or anywhere to go. I hope to do everything I can to improve facilities for young people in the borough, and to really hear what they have to say.”

The second highest vote saw 15-year-old Samuel Davies, who attends The Norwood School and lives in Vauxhall, announced as deputy youth mayor.

Keanna Williams, 15, who attends the Evelyn Grace Academy and lives in South Norwood was voted the next member of youth parliament (MYP), and Elizabeth Boampong, who attends St Francis Xavier College and lives in Clapham, deputy MYP.

Keanna and Elizabeth will organise events and projects, run campaigns and influence decision-makers on issues that matter most to young people in Lambeth.

Some 8,318 young people aged 11-19 who live, study, or work in the borough voted in the Youth Council elections at polling stations in schools and youth centres across Lambeth – with the majority of votes cast online.