Youth mayor inspired into politics by big sister

The new youth mayor for Milton Keynes said she was inspired to go for the role by her sister's own journey into politics.

Sixteen-year-old Tito Adeyale will attend civic and community events over the next 12 months.

She said the work of her 18-year-old sister Adeola, who is already part of the UK Youth Parliament, "inspired me".

"My sister's just so resilient and goes for whatever she wants against all odds," said Tito.

"[It] showed me that young people can actually have a place in politics."

Tito is Milton Keynes's fourth youth mayor and will act as an ambassador for young people including representing them on the city council's Children and Young People Scrutiny Committee.

The opportunity to represent young people in Milton Keynes and show them "you don't have to be old to get into politics" was "so special", she added.

"A lot of my friends show more interest in politics now they know I'm into it because there's a sense you don't want to seem like a nerd, but when you see that other people in your space are into politics, you're more welcome to talk about it.

"I think there's this idea amongst young people that politics equals division, like you're trying to debate and just be angry, but I feel we shouldn't look at politics this way, but as an opportunity to get together."

Milton Keynes takes its youth council elections seriously, as more than 25,000 young people take part each year via physical polling stations in schools using ballot papers.

Those elected become members of the MK Youth Council (MKYC) and two of them, Tito's sister Adeola and Mary-Oliver Nzgezo, represent the city on the UK Youth Parliament.

Tito has lived in Milton Keynes her whole life and enjoys playing her guitar, watching musicals and ice hockey.

She described it as a "calm city to live in", thanks to its green space, including various rivers and lakes.

"We are a newer city, but one of the fastest growing as well and every time you come here, you're going to find something new," she said.

"It's constantly changing and adapting."

Supporting her as deputy youth mayor is Rohan Ravjee, who has been an active member of MKYC for the past two years.

Some former members of MKYC have moved into career politics including the Labour MP for Milton Keynes North, Chris Curtis.

Tito, who plans to go to university, said she would "never say never" to a future in politics.

"This time last year, I was not into politics at all and wasn't into public speaking, nothing like this," she commented.

"A lot can change in a year."

Do you have a story suggestion for Beds, Herts or Bucks? Contact us below.

Follow Beds, Herts and Bucks news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram and X.