Who can get involved
- Children in year 5 (at school or elective home educated) can enter to become the next Leeds Children’s Mayor
- Young people aged 18 or younger can vote for the next Leeds Children’s Mayor
Current Leeds Children’s Mayor
The twenty-second Children's Mayor of Leeds is Sienna from Harewood Church of England Primary School.
Read about the current Leeds Children’s Mayor and their manifesto
Sienna became the 2025-26 Leeds Children's Mayor in October 2025 with a total of 7,688 children and young people voting in the elections.
Sienna's manifesto is about celebrating diversity and tackling bullying and discrimination:
One city, many voices - let's celebrate us all!
Sienna's manifesto
In Leeds, many children face bullying due to: appearance, culture, or what they believe in. 30% of young people have been or are being bullied, this can make children feel isolated, sad and unsafe. Leeds is a diverse city, with children from all around the world. But sometimes this diversity leads to discrimination. 1 in 5 children in Leeds live in poverty, every child deserves to be respected and included. We must work together to create a safe, accepting environment for all!
Three things me and my school could do to tackle this issue are:
- Introduce a school cultural week: each day could focus on a different part of the world, with food, music, art, clothing and lucky charms shared by students.
- Kindness buddies: we could create a buddy system where older children look out for younger children, and everyone has someone to talk to if they feel left out or are being bullied. They could help find a solution.
- A “take what you need” board: a board with sticky notes that offer kind words, affirmations or friendly challenges (for example “give someone a compliment” or “sit next to someone new at lunch”). Children can take one when they need a boost.
Three things Leeds as a city could do to tackle this issue are:
- City-wide “BE U” campaign: a city campaign with posters, videos, and events that celebrate diversity and teach children that it’s okay to be different. Schools, nurseries and libraries.
- Leeds Children’s Diversity Council: a special group of children from across the city who meet to share ideas, plan events, and make sure children’s voices are heard when decisions are made about our lives and community.
- Community Champions: involve local figures (athletes, musicians and actors from Leeds) to speak out and serve as role models against bullying. Videos or messages can be shared on social media, in colleges, universities and schools.
One city, many voices - let's celebrate us all!
What is involved
- Year 5 children write a manifesto which is submitted in June
- The manifestos are shortlisted in July and the final twelve attend a 'what to expect' session before campaigning for votes over the summer
- The winner is announced at a celebratory finals night in October before serving a one year term
- The winner works with the Voice, Influence and Change team to make their manifesto a reality
- They work with democratic services to attend various events and occasions alongside the Lord Mayor of Leeds
Benefits
- Develop skills and confidence in public speaking
- Experience campaigning and canvassing for votes
- Meet lots of different people including councillors and the Lord Mayor
Get involved
Tell your school, parents or carers about the project and encourage them to support you.
Vote for your favourite manifestos every summer.
Further information
List of the previous Leeds Children’s Mayors
Previous Children's Mayors
The Leeds Children's Mayors since 2011 were:
- Esosa Ehioghae, St Patrick’s Catholic Primary (2024-25)
- Mohammed Hussein, Ireland Wood Primary (2023-24)
- Mason Hicks, Whitkirk Primary (2022-23)
- Zulaykha Hussain, Bardsey Primary (2021-22)
- Samuel Hill, Carr Manor Community School (2020-21)
- Wania Ahmad, Harehills Primary (2019-20)
- Rio Abbott, Grange Farm Primary (2018-19)
- Isla Bentley, Gildersome Primary (2017-18)
- Grace Branford, Drighlington Primary (2016-17)
- Hannah Begum, Hunslet Moor Primary (2015-16)
- Amy Eckworth-Jones, Strawberry Fields Primary (2014-15)
- Charlotte Williams, Rufford Park Primary (2013-14)
- Oliver Larking, Bardsey Primary (2012-13)
- Joe Smith, Strawberry Fields Primary (2011-12)
From 2004 until 2014 we had a Mayor for a Day.
