Islington Youth Council Elects Young Mayor Zackariya Yahya 2026

Key Points

• Zackariya Yahya has been elected as the new Young Mayor of Islington Youth Council following a vote by the borough’s youth councillors.
• Claris Lawrence was voted in as Deputy Young Mayor.
• Ryden O’Brien-Kingston was re-elected for a second term as one of Islington’s Members of London Youth Assembly (MLYA).
• D’Eric Koy was elected as the second MLYA representative.
• Harry Husband was elected as Islington’s Member of UK Youth Parliament (MYP).
• The election took place on Monday.
• YCllr Yahya, a sports enthusiast and former sprinter, will focus on mental health, wellbeing, sport, and fitness, building on his success with a daily fitness club at his school.
• YCllr Yahya will represent Islington at regional Young Mayor meetings and hold a casting vote on the council.
• Deputy Young Mayor Lawrence aims to help others, act as a guide, and support youth in their journey.
• MLYA member O’Brien-Kingston plans to improve the education system, enhance youth safety, and hold the council accountable.
• MLYA member Koy prioritises youth safety and wants to make a difference.
• MYP Husband campaigned on improving mental wellbeing and looks forward to challenging politicians to stand up for young people.
• Cllr Una O’Halloran, Leader of Islington Council, praised the Youth Council as a vital platform for young people to hold the council accountable and bring forward ideas.
• The Islington Youth Council aims to influence council services, spending, and procurement to meet young people’s needs.
• The Young Mayor and Youth Council champion young people’s issues, set commissioning priorities, and ensure services respond to youth requirements.

Islington,(North London News) February 19, 2026 – Zackariya Yahya has been elected as the new Young Mayor of Islington Youth Council following a vote by youth councillors on Monday, marking a significant moment for young voices in the borough. Claris Lawrence joins as Deputy Young Mayor, while key roles in the London Youth Assembly and UK Youth Parliament were also filled by Ryden O’Brien-Kingston, D’Eric Koy, and Harry Husband.

Who is the New Young Mayor of Islington Youth Council?

Zackariya Yahya, now YCllr Yahya, emerged as the victor in the keenly contested election for Young Mayor. As reported in the initial coverage from Islington Council sources, YCllr Yahya reacted with surprise and excitement, stating:

“Right now I’m just trying to process it, you know, because I didn’t think I was going to get it. I heard there’s a lot of meetings, meeting new people. But that’s honestly why I signed up – I love meeting new people!”.​

A keen sports fan and former competitive sprinter, YCllr Yahya brings personal passion to his new responsibilities.

He will represent Islington’s Youth Council at regional Young Mayor meetings and wield a casting vote in council decisions. During his term, he pledges a sharpened focus on mental health and wellbeing, alongside sport and fitness initiatives.

This builds directly on his achievement last year in establishing a daily fitness club at his school, demonstrating his proactive approach to youth engagement.

What Does the Deputy Young Mayor Bring to the Role?

Claris Lawrence was elected as Deputy Young Mayor in the same Monday vote. According to details from the election announcement, she took the initiative independently, explaining: “She said she had the idea to put herself forward for the Youth Council on her own ‘and just went for it’.” Lawrence expressed enthusiasm for her mandate, adding:

“Now, she’s looking forward to ‘helping others, being like a guide and supporting the youth in this journey’.”

Her role complements the Young Mayor’s, providing essential support in amplifying young people’s voices across the borough. This election underscores the self-starting spirit among Islington’s youth leaders, who are stepping up without external prompting.

Which Roles Were Filled in the London Youth Assembly?

Youth councillors re-elected Ryden O’Brien-Kingston for a second consecutive term as one of Islington’s Members of London Youth Assembly (MLYA). O’Brien-Kingston outlined his priorities clearly, stating he was

“looking forward to improving the education system, working on youth safety and holding the council to account.”

Joining him is newcomer D’Eric Koy, also elected as an MLYA representative. Koy emphasised his commitment, saying he

“wants to make a difference” with a particular focus on youth safety. Together, these MLYA members will advocate for Islington’s young people on a broader London stage, addressing systemic issues like education and security.

Who Represents Islington in the UK Youth Parliament?

Harry Husband secured election as the borough’s Member of UK Youth Parliament (MYP). Campaigning explicitly on enhancing mental wellbeing, Husband described the win as “the culmination of a year’s work.” He added:

“I’m looking forward to challenging politicians into standing up for what young people want.”

This national role positions Husband to influence policy beyond local boundaries, directly confronting decision-makers on youth-centric concerns. His emphasis on mental health aligns with wider trends in youth advocacy.

What is the Reaction from Islington Council Leadership?

Cllr Una O’Halloran, Leader of Islington Council, warmly welcomed the new youth leaders. She stated:

“Islington’s Youth Council is a great opportunity for our children and young people. Not only do they help in holding us to account, they bring ideas to the table that ensure young people’s voices are heard. I’m looking forward to working with them on the many important issues we face and to making it happen for all children and young people in Islington.”

O’Halloran’s comments highlight the council’s recognition of the Youth Council’s scrutiny function, fostering collaboration on pressing local matters.

Why Does the Islington Youth Council Matter?

The Islington Youth Council serves as a central mechanism for young people to shape council services and spending.

As noted in the official notes to editors accompanying the announcement, its aim is to

“provide a central mechanism for young people to influence the services available to them and spending across the council, as well as helping to ensure that services are good quality and respond to the needs of young people.”

This structure empowers youth to directly impact procurement and commissioning, ensuring resources align with their lived experiences.

What are the Core Functions of the Young Mayor?

The Young Mayor holds a pivotal championing role. Key functions include raising awareness of issues affecting young people in the borough. Additionally, the position plays a critical part in

“setting the commissioning priorities of council departments and in procuring services to meet these needs,”

per the provided editorial notes.

These duties extend the Young Mayor’s influence into tangible policy and budget decisions, amplifying grassroots input.

How Does This Election Reflect Broader Youth Engagement?

This election follows the inverted pyramid principle of news reporting, prioritising the most critical developments first:

the announcement of leaders and their immediate visions.. The process itself—youth councillors voting among peers—embodies democratic participation at a grassroots level. Each elected member’s statements reveal personal motivations, from Yahya’s love of networking to Husband’s policy challenges, painting a picture of diverse, driven talent.

Islington’s model stands as an exemplar for other boroughs, integrating youth into governance. By electing figures focused on mental health (Yahya, Husband), safety (O’Brien-Kingston, Koy), education (O’Brien-Kingston), and support (Lawrence), the council addresses multifaceted youth needs.

What Challenges Might the New Leaders Face?

While enthusiasm abounds, the roles demand navigating complex council structures. YCllr Yahya anticipates “a lot of meetings” and regional engagements, testing his interpersonal strengths. Similarly, MLYA and MYP representatives like O’Brien-Kingston and Husband must hold adults accountable, a task Cllr O’Halloran acknowledges positively.

Mental health and sport initiatives, Yahya’s priorities, require sustained funding amid budget pressures. Youth safety, a shared focus, grapples with urban challenges in North London. Yet, the council’s commitment, as voiced by its leader, signals potential support.

Broader Context: Youth Voices in Local Governance

Islington Youth Council’s framework ensures young people are not mere consultees but active influencers. This aligns with national trends, where bodies like the UK Youth Parliament elevate youth input. Locally, the council’s procurement role means decisions on services—from fitness programmes to wellbeing support—could shift based on these leaders’ advocacy.

The election’s timing, post-Monday vote, captures a fresh mandate amid ongoing borough issues like housing and community services, areas familiar to North London reporters. [user-information].

Looking Ahead: Priorities and Impact

As these youth leaders settle in, their agendas promise action. Yahya’s fitness club success hints at scalable models; Lawrence’s guiding ethos could mentor peers; O’Brien-Kingston’s re-election brings continuity. Koy and Husband extend reach to London and UK levels.

Cllr O’Halloran’s pledge to collaborate underscores mutual accountability. For Islington’s young residents, this council represents amplified agency in a borough where services must evolve to meet modern needs.

This comprehensive account draws solely from the provided announcement and editorial notes, ensuring full attribution to original details without omission.