Fresh voices, bold ideas: meet the 2 young people stepping up to make a local difference as the borough of Rochdale’s latest children’s champions.
9-year-old Amelia of Norden Primary School, and Téa, aged 9, from St Vincent’s RC Primary School, were both elected as champions on Wednesday, 9 July 2025.
This announcement came during a declaration event coordinated by Rochdale Youth Service at Matthew Moss Youth Centre, in front of fellow candidates, parents, carers, the Mayor of Rochdale and council officers.
Speaking after her election win, Amelia, said:
“Thank you to everyone who voted for me, it means so much and I am so proud to have been elected.
“I promise to listen to everyone’s voices and make positive changes.”
Co-champion Téa added:
“I promise to support our borough and people who don’t feel heard because all of our voices matter.
“I’ll continue to campaign and help the borough to victory. I am so proud to be from Rochdale and I want the world to know, if you think you know Rochdale, think again. We are the future and we will be heard.”
Almost 9,000 (8,881) children and young people across the borough’s primary schools voted in this year’s election as they determined who would speak on their behalf in improving the lives and services of children locally.
The young duo were voted in on different pledges, with Amelia campaigning on topics linked to the promotion of local libraries and new Green Cross Code activities.
Téa’s manifesto focus was on free school meals for all children and eco ambassador teams that will help the planet to be cleaner and healthier. She also campaigned for worry boxes and happy jars alongside friendship benches in schools, as she is passionate about supporting children’s mental health and wellbeing.
The total turnout for this year’s election was 66 per cent, with Matilda of St Thomas’ CE Primary School and Jaxon of Woodland Community Primary both sworn in as this year’s deputy champions.
The election result was very tight with 3 recounts in total and just 2 votes separating 2 candidates.
Sharon Hubber, director of children’s services, added:
“Massive congratulations to Amelia and Téa on being elected this year’s children’s champions, they fought a very competitive campaign as did all of this year’s candidates.
“I have no doubt they will both bring lots of energy, commitment, enthusiasm and passion to their new roles and they will do their very best, alongside ourselves within the council, in helping children’s voices to be heard as we work to achieve the best outcomes for all.”
Representing their electorate’s voice on the Children’s Council, the champions will work to ensure all children boroughwide have a say and get answers to any questions or issues they may have.
They will also work alongside local members of the UK Youth Parliament to help improve the lives and services for children and young people.
Other responsibilities will involve being reliable and passionate for children’s rights, working to get messages to children across the borough, and progressing their manifesto pledges by connecting with key decision makers.
Last year’s champions, Maisy and Harry dedicated their tenure to policies on local park and football pitch improvements.
They also worked to provide more youth clubs and improve mental health support.