‘Be yourself’ — Liam’s advice to new youth mayor

Liam Turner

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ABSOLUTELY amazing —that’s the verdict of Oldham’s retiring Youth Mayor Liam Turner as he reflects on a hectic year in office.

The 18-year-old handed over the Mayoral chains to Chantel Birtwistle yesterday.

He said: “I’ve had a brilliant time as Youth Mayor. The opportunity to represent the youth of Oldham was an excellent one that I just had to take.

“The Remembrance Sunday service was the standout experience of my time as Youth Mayor. I wasn’t expecting to see such a huge turnout in Oldham and it was a really moving event.

“I also really enjoyed the weekly citizenship ceremonies as it was nice to see so many people from other countries deciding that Oldham was the place they most wanted to live.”

Liam, a security guard at Asda in Chadderton, also has high praise for former Mayor of Oldham David Jones who he served alongside.

He said: “David was brilliant. I know there is a big age gap but I could really relate to him and he really helped and supported me a great deal.

“I have known Oldham’s new Youth Mayor Chantel for five years now and I think she is going to do a brilliant job.

“The only advice I can give her is to just be herself and let her personality shine through.”