New youth councillors step up to represent young people
17 December 2025
The new youth advisory councillors, with staffThe next cohort of youth councillors who will represent the voices of young people across North Northamptonshire have been selected.
Ten members of North Northamptonshire Council’s Youth Advisory Council (YAC) were chosen by a panel, from more than 20 submissions.
The selection panel praised the candidates’ “energy and enthusiasm” and thanked everyone who expressed an interest in the role.
A mix of existing, but mostly new, youth councillors were selected and will hold the role for a year.
Covering the Wellingborough area are Ivanna Obi (who will also be a Member of the Youth Parliament), Olivia Gabriel, and Keaton Spruce. Covering the Corby area are Grace Stevens, Ignas Norvaisas, and Lucy Tough. Covering the Kettering area are Phoebe Daniels, Alishba Elahi, and Luxmey Nanthakumaran, and covering East Northants is Heeya Patel.
Being a youth councillor gives young people a voice to make decisions about what is important to them, and create opportunities for young people to participate, engage and be heard by politicians, service providers and others in their local community.
They can help identify and tackle issues considered important by young people, and shape services and facilities in North Northamptonshire to reflect what young people want and need. There will also be opportunities to reach out to other young people to seek their views and get them involved in the democratic process.
Last year, the council held its inaugural YAC elections, and in October this year, North Northamptonshire Council held its first ever Youth Summit at The Cube, in Corby, attended by school pupils, the Youth Advisory Council, and other guests.
Having a Youth Advisory Council means young people’s voices can be heard, so they can lead the debate, and be front and centre when it matters. The standard of submissions was very high; the energy and enthusiasm of the candidates was inspiring, and it is exciting that we have some amazing young people who can bring different life experiences to the role. I hope they thrive and enjoy playing such an exciting part in matters across North Northamptonshire.Cllr Elizabeth Wright, Executive Member for Children, Families, and Education, at North Northamptonshire Council
I'm excited to be part of the YAC to help ensure that every young person in North Northamptonshire sees themselves represented as valued voices in our society. My ambition is to actively interact with councillors to advise with decisions that impact our diverse youth communities and work collaboratively with my peers to do so.New youth councillor Alishba Elahi
In January, the new youth councillors will begin creating an action plan packed with exciting priorities including:
- 2026 Youth Summit
- Local community projects
- National celebrations like Youth Work Week
- Working with the Youth Parliament on employment & skills
- Supporting the local Youth Offer
The full plan will be available online in the new year.
The first official meeting of the Youth Advisory Council, since the appointments, will be on 13 January 2026.
Find out more about the Youth Advisory Council on the council’s website.