New Children’s Mayor of Leeds elected on mental health manifesto

Bahrawar Ahmad, 10, a pupil at Dixons Trinity Chapeltown, was unveiled as the new Children’s Mayor of Leeds for 2026-2027 in a ceremony at Leeds Civic Hall, following a closely fought election which saw 7,543 children cast two votes each – totalling 15, 087 votes among the 11 candidates shortlisted.

Bahrawar’s winning manifesto focused on mental health support, saying: “One in five young people experienced a mental health condition that seriously affected their life”.

Above: The Lord Mayor, Cllr Stephen Holroyd (front left), Lord Mayor’s Consort, Simon Mapals (front right) and Bahrawar Ahmad (front centre) with the other Children’s Mayor candidates (centre) and executive member for children and families, Cllr Helen Hayden (back left), Leeds City Council CEO, Ed Whiting, and director of children and families, Pete Thorpe.  (Picture: LCC)

Bahrawar becomes the 23^rd Children’s Mayor of Leeds, with the Lord Mayor of Leeds, Councillor Stephen Holroyd, officially announcing his appointment at the Civic Hall event on Tuesday 13 October. 

During the event, the candidates read their manifestos, each reflecting one of the Child Friendly Leeds 12 Wishes and tackling issues such as SEND inclusion in sport, the importance of play, climate change, and inclusion.

As part of his manifesto speech, Bahrawar gave special thanks to his father, family, teachers and peers for their help and support throughout the election process. 

The new Children’s Mayor, Bahrawar Ahmad (front centre), with his sister (back left), Ms Watson, head teacher at Dixons Trinity Chapeltown (rear centre) and his father, Fareed Ahmad. (Picture: LCC)

Bahrawar’s first ceremonial role as the new Children’s Lord Mayor will see him attend the annual Concord/Peacelink Peace Service at Leeds Civic Hall on Wednesday 21 October, together with the Lord Mayor of Leeds and other dignitaries.

The Children’s Mayor of Leeds, Bahrawar Ahmad, said: “I feel honoured to have been elected as the Children's Mayor of Leeds this year, and I am so grateful to everybody who has supported and believed in me along the way. 

“I'm excited to work with the Leeds Children's Mayor team and use this incredible platform to champion mental health, bring my manifesto to life and make a meaningful difference to the lives of young people across Leeds.”

The children’s mayor programme is designed to help young people from across Leeds develop a greater understanding of democracy and the importance of voting, as well as thinking about the role they could play in improving communities.

The programme aligns with Leeds City Council’s Child Friendly Leeds initiative to create a city where every child and young person feels they have a voice.

Last year, the programme was extended to enable electively home-educated children to participate in submitting manifestos alongside year five pupils in Leeds primary schools.

Above: The Lord Mayor of Leeds, Councillor Stephen Holroyd, with winning candidate, Bahrawar Ahmad. (Picture: LCC)

The Lord Mayor of Leeds, Councillor Stephen Holroyd, said: “The Children’s Mayor programme is a fantastic way of engaging and teaching young people about the democratic process while highlighting how their actions can influence change on a wide range of issues that directly affect them.

“I really enjoyed listening to the manifesto presentations made by each of the candidates and was amazed by their passion, in-depth understanding and ideas to tackle complex issues. Each finalist is truly inspirational, and they should all be extremely proud of their achievements.

“Congratulations to Bahrawar on his election, and I look forward to working closely with him over the coming months in championing mental health, an issue close to my own heart.”

Above: Executive member for children and families, Cllr Helen Hayden addressing candidates and guests in the Council chamber. (Picture: LCC)

Councillor Helen Hayden, Leeds City Council’s executive member for children and families, said: “Huge congratulations to Bahrawar on being elected as the 23^rd Children’s Mayor of Leeds.

“His winning manifesto is inspiring and tackles an issue that is of critical importance to young people and adults alike. His focus on raising awareness of mental health support and reducing stigma around seeking help will make a real difference to young people across Leeds.

“That’s why I am looking forward to working with Bahrawar over the coming year to help bring his vision to life.” 

For more information, and to read Bahrawar’s full manifesto, visit: https://www.leeds.gov.uk/children-and-families/leeds-youth-voice/childrens-mayor/childrens-mayor-election

The winning manifesto also addresses Child Friendly Leeds Wish One, of ‘Children and young people know how and where to get support for their mental health and wellbeing if they need it’, which states: ‘Children and young people have a greater understanding of their mental health and emotional wellbeing. They know where to get information and advice and who to speak to help them find services and support, and it is available to them when they need it.’

The Child Friendly Leeds 12 Wishes were refreshed in 2022 following a review of city-wide consultations and surveys capturing the views of over 80,000 children and young people. The wishes highlight key issues and subjects for Leeds to focus on over the next four years.

ENDS

Notes for editors:

Details of the Child Friendly Leeds 12 wishes can be found here: https://wearechildfriendlyleeds.com/child-friendly-leeds-celebrates-10-years/wish-1/