Youth mayor elected after record-breaking vote

Derby’s next Youth Mayor has been elected following a record-breaking vote, supported by Derby City Council.

India Johal, a student at Littleover Community School, has been elected as Derby’s Youth Mayor for 2025, with Maryam Riaz from Derby Moor Academy taking on the role of Deputy Youth Mayor.

Both will officially take up their positions at the city council’s Annual General Meeting in May.

This year’s election saw unprecedented participation with 12,024 votes cast by young people from schools across the city – the highest turnout in the history of Derby’s Youth Mayor elections.

The success of the election was made possible by a collaborative effort between Derby City Council’s Democracy and Early Help teams, local schools and Derbyshire Police Cadets, who played a key role in counting the votes.

Councillor Paul Hezelgrave, the city council’s cabinet member for children, young people and skills, said: “This record turnout shows the enthusiasm of our young people to get involved in local democracy and it’s inspiring to see them taking such an active role in shaping the future of their city.

“India and Maryam should be incredibly proud of their achievement, and I have no doubt that they will be fantastic representatives of Derby’s young people.”