Wandsworth’s newly elected Youth Mayor and Deputy pledge to unite young people, amplify their voices, and champion a safer, more inclusive, and greener borough for all.
Wandsworth has elected its second-ever Youth Mayor and Deputy Youth Mayor, with 15-year-old Kwasi Agyekum-Koranchie and 16-year-old Sophia Dyson taking up the mantle to represent the voices of young people across the borough. Both are determined to use their platforms to promote unity, amplify youth voices, and address some of the most pressing concerns for their generation.
Kwasi, a student at Ernest Bevin Academy in Tooting, is driven by a desire to build a “happier, safer Wandsworth” where opportunity, inclusion and wellbeing are accessible to all. “The overarching thing I want to achieve is creating a happier Wandsworth,” he said. “I want it to be a place where people have opportunity, but they also feel safe and heard.”
Speaking after his election, Kwasi said he sees his role as Youth Mayor as a chance to be a “beacon” for those whose voices often go unheard. “There’s people who might not feel very comfortable with having their voices heard, so the role of Youth Mayor is the opportunity to be that beacon of a voice,” he added.
Kwasi campaigned on a range of issues including mental health, careers guidance, and equality, diversity and inclusion. He believes real change can happen if young people unite, embrace their differences and work collectively. “It’s up to young people to come together and really embrace our differences,” he said. “We can unite and be one community.”
Deputy Youth Mayor Sophia Dyson shares that vision. A lifelong Putney resident, Sophia says her goals include making local government more accessible for young people, championing cultural vibrancy, and supporting action on climate change. “There’s so much potential in Wandsworth and I love the possibility of collaborating across councils with other youth mayors,” she said.
Sophia, a passionate advocate for climate issues, highlighted the council’s Climate Action Microgrants scheme as a key opportunity for youth involvement in shaping sustainable change. “Climate change is a hugely pressing issue for young people,” she said. “We need to be part of that conversation.”
Both Kwasi and Sophia were elected following their involvement in Wandsworth’s 40-member Youth Council. The election drew strong interest, with eight candidates standing and over 300 young people casting votes at youth clubs and community hubs across the borough.
Kwasi has already made an impression on the public stage, recently compering the launch of Wandsworth’s third Family Hub – a high-profile event attended by Mayor of London Sadiq Khan and local leaders. He is also active with the Jimmy Asher Foundation, which uses sport and culture to engage and empower young people.
Wandsworth Council has expressed strong support for the new youth leaders. Councillor Judi Gasser, Cabinet Member for Children, said: “We’re incredibly proud of our Youth Council and the inspiring young leaders like Kwasi and Sophia who step forward to represent their peers. The council is committed to working hand-in-hand with them to ensure young people’s voices are not only heard but are at the heart of decision-making in Wandsworth.”
The pair will build on the legacy of Wandsworth’s inaugural Youth Mayor team, Millie Quinn and Favour Oniri, who helped shape major youth-focused projects last year. Their achievements included launching the borough’s first Young People’s Sexual Harassment Survey and co-designing the Young Wandsworth Strategy to ensure youth services align with the needs of young residents. They also played a key role in influencing the borough’s Library Strategy and wider policies on safety and inclusion.
Kwasi and Sophia will attend events throughout the year, including the Wandsworth Arts Fringe and Hazelfest, while leading new initiatives focused on representation, wellbeing and climate action. Together with the Youth Council, they hope to create meaningful change and ensure young people’s perspectives are integral to shaping the future of Wandsworth.
