Record-breaking ballot for children’s champions election

For the first time, two children’s champions have been elected to serve Heywood and Middleton, and Rochdale and Pennines.

A record-breaking 9,802 children voted and a record number of children applied to be a champion and took park in the selection process.

The final 41 children, shortlisted by their classmates and school staff across the borough, were invited to an interview day where they presented and took part in team-building exercises and other fun activities.

The children were observed throughout the day and 12 children made it to the voting stage; six for Heywood and Middleton and six for Rochdale and Pennines.

Each candidate made a one-minute video which was shared with primary schools along with ballot papers and voting packs.

The counting process was independently verified and the results were announced at Number One Riverside, by the mayor of Rochdale, Councillor Mike Holly, and Councillor Rachel Massey, cabinet member for children’s services and education.

With a total of 1,437 votes, 31 per cent of those cast, the first children’s champion for Heywood and Middleton is Maisy Heaton from St Peter’s Roman Catholic Primary School in Middleton. Maisy wants everyone to be more involved in local communities, providing more youth clubs, activities and better parks.

 

 

The first ever deputy children’s champion for Heywood and Middleton is David Soares from Hollin Primary School in Middleton.

And for Rochdale and Pennines, with 1,735 votes, 33 per cent of the total cast, the newly elected children’s champion is Harry Milne from Littleborough Community Primary School. Harry wants to campaign for more mental health support in schools, to stop children being punished by missing out on break and lunchtimes and to improve existing or make more football pitches.

The new deputy children’s champion is Ayaan Khan from Whittaker Moss Primary School, Rochdale.

Councillor Holly said: “This is one of the best events I have ever been to.  A huge thank you to all the children and schools who participated, to the parents and those who supported the electoral team and to all the dignitaries who kindly attended and supported us.”