The annual Youth Council Elections took place on the evening of Wednesday 7 October in the Council Chamber. Members cast their votes for the Cabinet positions of Youth Mayor, Deputy Youth Mayor, Health Officer, and the newly introduced role of Social Media Officer. The elections were attended by Councillor Patsy Spears, the Mayor of Broxbourne.
Zara Djemal, a Year 12 student at Hertford Regional College, was successfully elected as Youth Mayor. Having joined the Youth Council on the day of last year’s elections, Zara expressed her delight at progressing to this role for the 2026/27 academic year. As the Borough’s eighth Youth Mayor, she is committed to introducing new ideas to represent the needs of local young people and leading campaigns that benefit the community. She stated: "I am very proud to be elected as Youth Mayor, and I will make sure the Youth Council does everything possible to amplify voices and better the lives of young people within our community."
The role of Deputy Youth Mayor was awarded to Thomas Vaciago, a Year 10 student at Goffs Academy. Thomas is pleased to move into a Cabinet position and is determined to support Zara in the coming year.
Lily-Rose Blackford, a Year 10 student at Haileybury Turnford, was elected as the new Health Officer. Meanwhile, Edward Odulaja and Monroe Clarke, both Year 10 students at Haileybury Turnford, made Youth Council history by becoming the first-ever Social Media Officers. Their joint election marked the first time a Cabinet position has been shared, following an equal number of votes for both candidates.
The Broxbourne Youth Council is open to all young people aged 11 to 17 who live or study in the Borough. The Youth Mayor and Youth Council operate on a politically neutral basis. Further information about the Broxbourne Youth Council, including meeting dates and minutes, is available on the council's website.
