Sian Berry wants teenagers on the London Youth Assembly granted new powers to hold the Mayor to account.
She’s pledged them more resources to investigate issues, write reports, the power to question the Mayor at several annual Youth Assembly Question Time events and submit official written questions all year round.
“Young people have shown more political leadership than most politicians in recent years, they deserve a real say in their future,” Berry said.
“From the school children demanding action on climate, to students calling for change on campuses – young people are already transforming politics for the better and those of us with power have a duty to share that with them.”
Berry will grant more staff to the Assembly and pay its members the London Living Wage for the time they spend working. This is so no young people feel they can’t participate because they need to do paid part-time work on top of their studies.
Kirsty McMillan, chair of the under-18 Greens said: “Under 18s especially are so tired of being ignored while our presents and futures are decided by officials we weren’t allowed to elect. Giving the Youth Assembly more power really will put young Londoners’ issues on the map.”