North Tyneside - Young Mayor
The Campaign Company (TCC) designed and pioneered the first Young Mayor election in Middlesbrough in 2002. Nine years on, there are now Young Mayors in Lewisham, Tower Hamlets, Newham, Melton, Wyre Forest, Worthing, North Tyneside, Mansfield, Southend and Lambeth. In May 2008, TCC established the Young Mayor Network (YMN) which gives Young Mayors across the country the opportunity to support each other and come together with a view to getting their voices heard on a national stage.
In 2008, TCC were commissioned by North Tyneside Council to advise on the implementation of a Young Mayor scheme in the borough. This included strategic consultancy, PR and the design and facilitation of a programme of candidate training for young people.
At a point where voter apathy was at its highest since the Second World War, these elections were designed to introduce young people to democratic participation at an early age. By mirroring the process of the first ever elections for adult directly-elected Mayors we hoped this process would normalise voting behaviour in young people and also raise awareness of the process in the wider population.
As the number of directly-elected young mayors grew, local authorities and the elected young mayors felt they would benefit from a national forum through which they could discuss common issues and share best practice.
The first Young Mayor of North Tyneside was elected in 2009 with a turnout of 59% of all young people in the borough, far in excess of the turnout for equivalent adult elections. Over 50 candidates stood for election and the turnout was, at that point, believed to be the highest percentage in a youth election.
What the client says
'The Campaign Company had a good understanding about what North Tyneside was trying to achieve. I found the staff's friendly and professional approach gave confidence to officers of the council. They demonstrated clearly that they had the experience to support us to achieve our aims.
The Young Mayor candidate training day was a great success again due to the experience and knowledge that they showed to the candidates. TCC have a tried and tested formula that clearly works however still have flexibility within the formula to change the format to suit the client.
I look forward to working with "The Campaign Co" team in the future.'
Anne Taylor, Senior Youth Work Officer, North Tyneside