A new Children’s Mayor of Leeds has been officially elected, with a powerful pledge to tackle bullying, discrimination and poverty over the coming year.
Sienna Silva-Farber, 10, a pupil at Harewood C of E Primary School, has been named Children’s Mayor of Leeds for 2025–2026 following a closely contested election. This year’s vote saw a record 7,688 children across the city take part, each casting two votes, resulting in an impressive 15,376 votes shared between the 12 shortlisted candidates.
Sienna’s winning manifesto centred on celebrating diversity and standing up against bullying and discrimination. In her pledge, she called on children and adults alike to unite behind her vision:
“We must work together to create a safe, accepting environment for all.”
Sienna Silva-Farber’s year in office will focus on turning that promise into real action for children and young people across Leeds. Her ceremonial duties have already begun, as she took part in the city’s Remembrance Sunday service at the Victoria Gardens War Memorial, paying tribute alongside the Lord Mayor, the Vice Lord Lieutenant, local MPs and other civic representatives.
Sienna Silva-Farber, Children’s Mayor of Leeds said:
“I still can’t believe I was chosen for this role – the other candidates were great and it was tough competition especially coming from such a small school as Harewood Primary.
“I’m looking forward to hopefully making some important changes on the way we can tackle bullying.
“Leeds is an amazing city, with lots of different voices – I want to be able to celebrate us all.”
The Children’s Mayor programme is designed to help young people from across Leeds develop a stronger understanding of democracy and the importance of voting, while also encouraging them to think about the role they can play in improving their communities. The initiative supports Leeds City Council’s Child Friendly Leeds ambition to create a city where every child and young person feels heard and valued.
This year, the programme was expanded to allow electively home educated children to submit manifestos alongside Year 5 pupils from Leeds primary schools – a change that will continue in future years, ensuring even more children can take part and have their voices heard.
Lord Mayor of Leeds, Councillor Dan Cohen said:
“It’s incredible to see so many of our young people vote in these elections this year, with each candidate attracting at least 900 votes.
“I’m delighted this annual project really captures the interest of children and young people across Leeds, encouraging them to have their say and recognise that their actions can influence change.
“Congratulations again to Sienna and all the finalists – they are truly inspirational and should be extremely proud of their achievements.”
Councillor Helen Hayden, Leeds City Council’s executive member for children and families said:
“Huge congratulations to Sienna on being elected as the 22nd Children’s Mayor of Leeds.
“Her winning manifesto is really inspiring and echoes a lot of the important work going on within the council and across the city, such as our new anti-discrimination campaign launched earlier this year.
“It’s so important to give our children and young people a voice and it’s great to see them engage in the process of democracy and learn how they can help make a difference in Leeds.”
Congratulations, Sienna Silva-Farber, on becoming the new Children’s Mayor of Leeds. This is a truly wonderful achievement and a testament to your kindness, your passion, and the trust that children and young people across Leeds have placed in you. By stepping forward, sharing your ideas, and being brave enough to lead, you’ve shown what young people can do when they believe in themselves and care about their city.
As Children’s Mayor of Leeds, you have a special role:
- To speak up for children whose voices aren’t always heard.
- To share big ideas about how to make Leeds an even better place to grow up.
- To inspire others to be kind, confident and involved in their communities.
Leeds is incredibly proud of you, Sienna. Your energy, imagination and sense of responsibility will help shape a brighter future for children across the city. May your year as Children’s Mayor be filled with exciting opportunities, new friendships, and moments where you can see the real difference you’re making.
