The newly-elected young mayor of Tower Hamlets and his team carried out their first public appointment with a ‘take over’ at Mayor John Biggs’ cabinet meeting.

Jaami Barry brought in his teenage deputies to the town hall to address the cabinet and lay out their vision for their term of office representing the East End's youth.

"My vision is simple," the 16-year-old said. "I've always had a passion for helping people and aim to work to make Tower Hamlets a safer place."

Jaami won his election in March on the promise of making a difference in mental health. Around seven-out-of-10 young people experiencing a mental problem haven't had appropriate 'interventions' at an early enough age, he points out.

Mayor Biggs said afterwards: "It was inspiring to hear the passion of Jammi and his deputies which will ensure that the council hears the voice of younger people."

Jaami serves for two years as the voice of his generation, representing them locally and nationally, getting involved in the Youth Council—but above all steering strategic decisions that affect young people in the East End.