A first year A-Level student from Salford City College’s Pendleton Sixth Form Centre is on the path to political success after serving his first full year as Youth Mayor for Salford. Sixteen-year-old Lewis Nelson from Irlam was inspired to pursue a career in politics whilst attending a Home Watch event with his grandad seven years ago, where he met City Mayor Ian Stewart.
Former Irlam and Cadishead College pupil Lewis said: “Meeting the Mayor and other councillors inspired me to join the Youth Council, which represents individual neighbourhoods in the area, much like the City Council. I have now been a Youth Councillor for Irlam and Cadishead for five years.”
After making a name for himself in local politics, Lewis was elected as a Member of Youth Parliament (MYP) in 2013, which gave him the opportunity to visit the Houses of Parliament in London to represent young people in Salford.
When his term of office as MYP ended in 2014, Lewis continued to work as a member of the Youth Council. Last year the Council decided to create the role of Youth Mayor, to act as its ambassador, and based on his experience, Lewis was voted in.
Lewis explained: “My role involves going to lots of meetings with the people such as the City Mayor, senior councillors and council heads of service, taking part in consultations, attending events relating to young people, and going to partnership meetings with people from all walks of life in Salford, as well as people from other organisations in the city. I am also responsible for coordinating the Youth Council, which currently has 30 members.”
The Youth Mayor position in 2015 was determined by an internal election, and Lewis is hoping to be re-elected when the votes are cast in February at an open election. When asked what he believes to be the most important issues for young people in Salford, Lewis says: “We’ve found that the ‘living wage for all’ is the top priority for the youth of the city, but young people are also concerned about the improvement of help and support for mental health issues.”
As part of his role as Youth Mayor, Lewis works with City Mayor Ian Stewart regularly, describing him as a ‘fantastic mentor’. He also completed a day’s work experience with the Mayor in 2013, and has since become strong working partners with both him and various other councillors.
Lewis says that one of his personal highlights was attending the Durham Miners’ Gala, alongside a number of other Salford MPs. He said: ““It was great to have such a strong presence at this important event representing Salford.”
The ambitious student was also one of three speakers at the announcement event for the new living wage in November, where he gave a speech about why young people should be paid a living wage.
He said: “I feel lucky to have the contacts and the facilities to help voice the problems that young people share with me.”
When he finishes at Pendleton Sixth Form Centre, where he studies A-Levels in Economics, History, Philosophy and Politics, Lewis hopes to pursue a career in local politics, whilst studying part-time for a degree from the Open University.
“I think it is really important to have a range of people represented in politics, and I believe the dynamics of politics would be greatly improved if more young people got involved,” said Lewis. “I would definitely encourage other students to get involved with the Youth Council, even if they are not interested in a career in politics. There are different qualifications you can get from being involved, so it is great to put on your CV.”
City Mayor Ian Stewart said: “Political decisions affect young people so it’s important that they have their say and put their views forward. It’s been a pleasure to work with Lewis and he has gained confidence, valuable skills and a good awareness of how local government and society works, which will stand him in good stead for the rest of his life. I’d love to see more young people join the Youth Council and get involved.”
If you are interested in joining the Youth Council, please email martyn.shaw@salford.gov.uk for more information.
Photo: Ian Stewart City Mayor, Bailey Peters DMYP, Laura Edwards MYP, Lewis Nelson Youth Mayor, and Rebecca Long Bailey MP at Salford Youth Day in 2015
