Caerphilly councillor Mike Prew has been re-elected as the area’s youth champion for a fourth year.
Cllr Prew, who represents the Morgan Jones ward for Plaid Cymru, said: “I’m delighted to serve as the youth champion to represent the views of young people throughout the county borough for a fourth year.
“It is more important than ever than job opportunities are provided for young people so I’m pleased that the council is planning to create 150 apprenticeships and training places over the next three years. The young are our future and we must look after. They should not be the victims of policies by the Westminster government.
“I also think we all need to do more as politicians to be relevant to young people so they take an active part in local democracy.
“Councillor Dave Rees was the only other councillor who expressed an interest in standing for the role. But due to the short time to the council elections, we agreed together that it would be in the best interests if I remained in post with a new election after next May. The post could then become a two year term, agreed with the young people.”
He was originally voted in as youth champion in 2008 as part of a special competition called ‘I’m a Councillor – Get me out of here!’.
Cllr Prew praised the work of the Youth Forum, which has been existence for ten years. It gives young people aged 11 to 25 the chance to have their voices heard.
He added: “It is fantastic to see so many young people who want to make a difference to the area they live in. They are an enthusiastic and passionate bunch of youngsters and I am sure that they will work hard to make a difference over the coming year.”