New Children’s Mayor of Leeds Elected After Record Votes

Young voters engage in historic election for city’s Children’s Mayor

A new Children’s Mayor of Leeds has been elected following a record turnout in this year’s vote. Sienna Silva-Farber, aged 10 and a pupil at Harewood C of E Primary School, will serve as the city’s Children’s Mayor for 2025-2026. The election saw an unprecedented 7,688 children participate, each casting two votes, resulting in a total of 15,376 votes across 12 shortlisted candidates.

Election results and manifesto focus

Sienna’s manifesto emphasised the importance of celebrating diversity and addressing issues such as bullying, discrimination and poverty. She pledged to work towards creating a safe and accepting environment for all children in Leeds.

Her appointment was officially announced by the Lord Mayor of Leeds, Councillor Dan Cohen, at a ceremony held at Leeds Civic Hall. Sienna’s role began with her attendance at the city’s Remembrance Sunday service at Victoria Gardens War Memorial, where she paid tribute alongside civic leaders including the Lord Mayor, Vice Lord Lieutenant and local MPs.

She is scheduled to deliver a speech outlining her manifesto to the full council on 12 November 2025.

About the Children’s Mayor programme

The Children’s Mayor programme aims to engage young people across Leeds in understanding democracy and the significance of voting. It encourages children to consider how they can contribute to improving their communities. The initiative aligns with Leeds City Council’s Child Friendly Leeds programme, which seeks to ensure every child and young person in the city feels heard.

This year, the programme was extended to include electively home educated children alongside year five pupils from Leeds primary schools, allowing a broader range of children to participate by submitting manifestos.

Statements from officials

• Lord Mayor Councillor Dan Cohen: Highlighted the high level of engagement among young voters and congratulated all candidates for their efforts, describing them as inspirational.
• Councillor Helen Hayden, Executive Member for Children and Families: Praised Sienna’s manifesto for reflecting ongoing council work, including anti-discrimination efforts, and emphasised the importance of giving children a voice in democratic processes.

Context and wider initiatives

Sienna’s manifesto supports Child Friendly Leeds Wish Four, which focuses on celebrating diversity and preventing bullying and discrimination. The Child Friendly Leeds 12 Wishes, refreshed in 2022 after extensive consultation with over 80,000 children and young people, guide the city’s priorities for the coming years.

For further details and to read Sienna Silva-Farber’s full manifesto, visit the Leeds City Council website: Leeds Children’s Mayor.