Bev Craig has pledged a youth centre 'in every town' and a commission for youth voices to be heard if she is elected as mayor next week.
The Labour candidate for the Greater Manchester mayoralty is one of seven candidates hoping to win over voters in the race to fill the vacuum left by Andy Burnham, who officially became Prime Minister on Monday (July 20).
The Green Party, Reform UK, Restore Britain, the Liberal Democrats, the Conservative Party are all fielding candidates in the election, alongside an independent candidate, as our region goes to the polls on July 30.
Campaign Promise
As part of her campaigning, Craig, who has been leader of Manchester City Council since 2021, met apprentices at Manchester Airport yesterday (July 21), which offers free employment preparation courses through its Airport Academy.
She used the opportunity to set out her youth promise, which will hope to appeal to parents as well as tempt young voters away from parties like the Greens, whom recent polling has showed to be the most popular party among 18-to-24 year olds.
She has pledged to create a youth centre in every town in Greater Manchester, and to create a Gen-Z commission 'so young people are part of the solution with their voices heard on issues including work, transport and health'.
Additional Support
Craig also pledged additional support for care leavers and a work placement for every young person by the age of 18. It is hoped these measures will help tackle youth unemployment and 'break down barriers to opportunity'.
Ms Craig said that many young people are being 'held back from opportunities' due to the lack of 'right support, experience and confidence' to get into work.
"Every young person in Greater Manchester should have the chance to discover their talents and find a path that works for them," she said.
"That's why my Greater Manchester Youth Promise will deliver practical support, from Youth Centres and work placements to more help for care leavers.
"It will also make young people part of the decisions that affect their lives, ensuring their voices are heard on issues including work, transport and health."
