By Jill Stocks
Horsforth’s candidate for Leeds Children’s Mayor got the backing of the Town Council yesterday as he was presented with a letter wishing him luck by the council chair.
Arthur Foulkes, who attends Broadgate Primary School, is one of 11 finalists in the race to be the new mayor. Voting closed on 25 September and the winner will be announced next week and begin a one-year mayoral term.
Year five pupils across the city submitted their manifestos in June and a shortlist of 11 finalists was announced in July. The Lord Mayor of Leeds will announce the next Leeds Children’s Mayor at a civic reception event on Tuesday, 13 October.
Arthur’s manifesto focussed on kindness and inclusion and the impact of poverty on children in the city, saying: “One Leeds, one future, every child included. I want every child in Leeds to feel valued, have access to the same opportunities and I want to raise awareness of child poverty.”
Chair of Horsforth Town Council, Cllr Simon Dowling, visited Arthur at school where he heard more about his manifesto and how the campaign had gone and presented him with the letter of support. Arthur also got to try on the mayoral chains for size.
Cllr Dowling said: “I was delighted this morning to visit Arthur at school. As Chair of Horsforth Town Council, I was able to hand Arthur a letter from the Town Council wishing him the very best of luck and letting him know how proud we are of what he has achieved.
“It was also a great opportunity to hear from Arthur himself about his manifesto, his ideas and how his campaigning has gone.
“I commend Arthur for getting selected as one of the final 11 and for being so passionate about his manifesto.
“It is so important that we, as a local Town Council, support our schools in encouraging young people to engage in politics, whether that is through the Children’s Mayor, school councils, sports councils, or simply standing up for what they believe in. That is how I first got involved in politics at the age of 13, and I hope Arthur will be one of many young people who get involved both now and in the future.
“It is important that we, as local politicians, listen to young people as well as those who vote for us. Their voices matter, and it is important that we hear what they have to say and understand the issues they are passionate about.”
“I was also really pleased to talk to Arthur about how much the Town Council wants to continue making sure our events are inclusive and accessible to everyone in our community, including when we are considering the costs involved in attending them.
“A huge well done to Arthur from all of us at Horsforth Town Council. Whatever happens in the election, reaching the final 11 is a fantastic achievement and something to be incredibly proud of.
“Good luck, Arthur!”
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