Lewisham’s youth have flexed their democratic muscles, electing this year’s new young mayor Adam Abdullah with a voter turn out significantly higher than the mayoral elections in May.

The election saw more than 58 per cent of the borough’s 11 to 18-year-olds vote – 20 per cent higher than the 37 per cent voter turn out in May’s local elections.

Taking 1,981 of the votes, Adam, 15, ran on a manifesto with policies which include free sanitary products and making contraception more accessible, and will have £25,000 to spend on schemes for youth.

He beat 34 other candidates to take the top spot, with his deputy Nike Ajijola, 14, taking 1,807 votes.

He said: “Young people voted for change. I promised that change, and I will deliver change. I’m looking forward to working with others to deliver help to those who need it.”

Damien Egan, Mayor of Lewisham, said: “Congratulations to Adam and Nike on their election as Young Mayor and Deputy Young Mayor. I’m really excited to work with both of them. They will be an important part of our administration, working with me as a voice of our young people, speaking at events across London and of course Adam will take control of a £25,000 budget.

“Thank you to the other 34 candidates, we’re incredibly proud that we have so many excellent young people in Lewisham that already have such a strong sense of community and are making a difference. Do not be disheartened – politics is about getting back up on your feet and having the resilience to go again. Learning from your last campaign to improve your next one.

“My thanks also go to Laurelle Henry and Edafese Erhenede, our outgoing young mayor and deputy young mayor, for their year of service to our borough. They’ve both had an exceptionally busy 12 months, from rolling out the curriculum for life to preparing for the Young Mayor’s Talent Showcase, and they’ll be a tough act to follow.”

Sir Steve Bullock, former mayor of Lewisham, established the country’s first directly elected young Mayor in 2014.