Residents asked to vote for town’s Youth Representative

The voting will shortly get under way to choose Hartlepool’s next Youth Representative, offering teenagers a chance to shape the future of their area.

The Youth Representative will work with councillors, youth groups, and key decision-makers to champion the issues most important to young people.

The role involves attending local and regional meetings and contributing to a wide range of projects, campaigns and events.

Councillor Melanie Morley, chair of Hartlepool Borough Council’s Children’s Services Committee, said: “Our young people care passionately about Hartlepool and its future.

“Voting to elect their Youth Representative is a powerful way for them to have a voice in helping to shape local decisions – so if you’re a young person in Hartlepool, please make sure you use your vote and have your say.”

The four candidates standing for election are Mayowa Carew, Oliver Dixon, Freddie Minton, and Libby Swinbourne.

Each has outlined a manifesto reflecting their vision for improving Hartlepool.

Freddie Minton’s campaign focuses on employment, transport, and promoting local pride.

Mr Minton said: “I want to promote local pride and showcase what it truly means to be from Hartlepool.

“By creating a campaign to showcase how amazing our town is, we can change perceptions and give Hartlepool the recognition it deserves.”

Libby Swinbourne is calling for more youth clubs and better education about cultural diversity.

Ms Swinbourne said: “I believe that we should be proud to live in Hartlepool, which means we need to take care of it.

“I believe that it’s our responsibility to ensure that our town is held to a good standard, especially if it also helps us to care for the natural environment too.”

Mayowa Carew’s manifesto centres on inclusivity, fun activities, and personal development.

Ms Carew said: “Your vote can make real change happen, and I’d be grateful for your support.”

Oliver Dixon’s manifesto emphasises ‘sport for all, better buses, fair pay’.

Mr Dixon said: “I’ll fight to protect school and community clubs, improve access to pitches and make it easier to get to games and training.”

The full manifestos are available on the council’s website at hartlepool.gov.uk/youth-representative-2026.

Voting is open to 12 to 18-year-olds who live in the borough and will run for two weeks, from Monday, March 16 to Monday, March 30.

Ballot boxes will be available in all secondary schools and colleges across Hartlepool, with candidate information and ballot papers provided on site.