AS THE date for the new Young Mayor of Lewisham election draws near, Kieran Lang reflects on his time in the post this year.

There are 21 candidates eager to give a voice to young people in the borough next year and anyone in a secondary school or sixth form college can cast their vote on October 10.

Young Mayor Kieran Lang, who lives in Forest Hill, says he will be sad to let go of the title and hopes to serve Lewisham in the future as a councillor.

He says the highlight of his time in office was being an Olympic torchbearer and he is most proud of the renovation of the Young Mayor’s website B-involved and an enterprise scheme for young people.

The 16-year-old told News Shopper: “Being Young Mayor has been fantastic. There have been stressful times - having to prioritise [both] exams and the Young Mayor stuff – it’s been a challenge but also educated me on life skills and certain qualities, so it has improved me as a whole.

“I am quite sad to see it end because I like the title of being Young Mayor. I was it for so long it is hard to let it go – I don’t want the next Young Mayor to mess it up!”

Kieran is currently working for his A-levels and hopes to study Architecture at university before returning to serve his community as a councillor.

He said: “Once in politics always in politics.”

The budding politician has learned the tricks of the trade and advised the future mayor to not make any promises they cannot keep.

He advised: “Just be yourself and don’t try and be something you are not and be honest and try not to promise anything because if you can’t keep your promises you will be seen as a liar.”

Mr Lang added that he felt an ongoing challenge for Lewisham was better integration between younger and older generations.

The Young Mayor handles a budget of at least £30k with a team of Young Advisors and puts forward the views of young people to Lewisham Council.

The enterprising scheme was first set up in 2004 by Mayor of Lewisham Sir Steve Bullock.

Young people can vote for candidates at a polling station at their school or college on October 10.

To seethis year’s candidates’ manifestos visit youtube.com/playlist?list=PLh6F8pC6tg3RAh8D5ylN87aNA-3znzOEt and to find out more about the Young Mayor scheme visit b-involved.org.uk