New young mayor ready for big year

9:15am Wednesday 26th October 2005

A RUGBY-LOVING schoolboy celebrated his birthday in style by becoming Lewisham's new young mayor.

Wilf Petherbridge, who turned 15 on Saturday, fought off 32 rivals to win the race to become the borough's second youth leader.

The Forest Hill Boys School pupil will now be given a £25,000 budget, his own mini-cabinet and the power to influence the lives of young people across the borough.

Wilf, who polled 1,229 votes 426 more than his nearest competitor says he has a simple political philosophy.

He said: "I feel like an adult and have a responsibility but we are only kids and we are there to have fun.

"Politicians in Parliament make decisions which affect young people's lives but they really have no idea about us."

The new young mayor says he will now tour schools and youth centres across Lewisham, to get a greater understanding of the task he faces.

He added: "I'm keen to get out and meet people. I want young people to talk to me and tell me their concerns and problems."

Catford resident Wilf, who has been elected to serve for a year, takes over from Lewisham's first young mayor Manny Hawks.

Like the previous mayor, Wilf has a passion for music and sport, particularly rugby.

He says these two areas will be his "main drives" for the next year as he gets set to spend his £25,000 treasure chest.

All 11 to 18-year-olds in education in the borough had the chance to vote for their young mayor.

The turnout this year was 46.9 per cent, up two per cent on last year's election.

Lewisham Mayor Steve Bullock, who crowned the winner when the results were announced at the town hall last week, hailed those involved.

He said: "I hope we are creating a generation of young people who regard voting as something which can make a real difference."