The new Children and Young People's Champion for the city has been announced as Holgate councillor James Alexander after he defeated Liberal Democrat councillor Nigel Ayre in a ballot of young people in the city. Coun. Alexander was understandably delighted at the success, saying:

"I felt I fought a good campaign which really engaged with young people and I think this is borne out by the result. I'm determined to stand up for children and young people and to give them the voice I have been elected to give them. I will communicate with all young people, especially in the ways in which they like to communicate themselves. By doing this I will reach as many people as possible in order to get their views, and to feed them into the decision-making process".

The Children and Young People's Champion is elected every 2 years and all children and young people registered at council administered primary, secondary and special schools were eligible to vote. Young people under 18 who live in the city and attend York college were also eligible to vote.

"I shall continue the good work of David Scott and constantly review how the role is serving the best interests of those I represent" said Coun. Alexander. "It is an honour to have been elected and I would like to thank everyone who voted in the election, not just those who voted for me. I am proud to be elected as a Councillor by York's Present and even prouder to now be elected as a champion by York's future".