Ten-year-old Bahrawar Zaidan Ahmad, a Year 6 pupil at Dixons Trinity Chapeltown, has been elected Leeds Children’s Mayor for 2026–2027 after more than 7,000 young people participated in a city-wide election.
His victory was announced at Leeds Civic Hall on Tuesday, 13 October, marking the culmination of his campaign and the beginning of a year dedicated to representing children across the city.
At the centre of Bahrawar’s manifesto is children’s mental health. He wants to make it easier for young people to access support, discuss their worries openly and understand that they do not have to face difficult situations alone.
“I feel incredibly honoured to have been elected as the next Leeds Children’s Mayor and I am truly grateful to everyone who believed in me and supported my campaign,” he said.
He added that he was passionate about ensuring every child could find the help they needed and feel comfortable speaking about their mental wellbeing.
From a School Idea to City Hall
Bahrawar’s journey began when he discovered the Leeds Children’s Mayor competition and independently decided to enter. After researching the role and preparing his manifesto, he submitted his ideas through his headteacher, Mrs Watson.
His campaign reflects a longstanding family commitment to helping others. His grandfather, Haji Riaz Ahmad, spent many years supporting people in his community, inspiring a similar sense of responsibility in the younger generation.
Bahrawar has outlined three key proposals aimed at improving children’s mental health across Leeds.
His first idea is to develop a website bringing together information about mental health services available to children and families across the city, making support easier to find.
He also wants schools to introduce trained pupil wellbeing ambassadors who can listen to classmates, offer encouragement and help children experiencing difficulties connect with appropriate support.
His third proposal is a city-wide event called ‘Your Mind Matters Day’. The initiative would give pupils time away from academic pressures to participate in activities such as sport, music and art that support their wellbeing.
Bahrawar hopes to work with the Leeds Children’s Mayor team to turn these proposals into practical initiatives during his term.
A Double Celebration for the Ahmad Family
Bahrawar’s election marks a special milestone for his family. His older sister, Wania Ahmad, previously served as Leeds Children’s Mayor after being elected in 2019, making the siblings the first members of their family to hold the role in different years.
Outside his civic responsibilities, Bahrawar enjoys rugby, boxing and spending time with friends. He has also expressed gratitude to his school, headteacher, supporters and family for helping him throughout the campaign.
He has particularly acknowledged his father’s sacrifices and continued encouragement in supporting his ambitions.
Reflecting on the responsibilities ahead, Bahrawar said he was looking forward to working with the Leeds Children’s Mayor team to deliver his manifesto.
He emphasised that winning the election was only the beginning, explaining that his priority was to represent young people, listen to their experiences and make a positive difference to their lives.
Over the coming year, he will have opportunities to meet community leaders, attend civic events and learn more about representing children across Leeds.
His central ambition, however, remains clear: to ensure that young people feel heard, can access appropriate support and know that they do not have to face life’s challenges alone.
