Coun. Alexander says he had thoroughly enjoyed representing every child and young person in the city, not only in giving them a voice in local decision-making, but also in encouraging their wider civic participation in the city.

He said:

"This has been a really enjoyable role and one I'm proud to have been selected to undertake by young York residents. I'm pleased that the Youth Council has now been set up successfully in York, and in the role I played in ensuring that it became a reality. I also got the council to take seriously and agree having a member of the national Youth Parliament, which it had not properly considered until that point.

"Proper representation for young people is the only way you are going to encourage engagement with politics and decision-making at both the local and national levels. Politics matters in how our democracy operates and shouldn't be permanently tainted by events like the expenses scandal".

Although Coun. Alexander felt he was able to make some progress during the past two years, he voiced frustrations about the way the council's constitution hindered his ability to speak for those he represents. He said:

"Sadly there has been no platform for the Children and Young People's Champion, nor any other champion for that matter, at Full Council meetings, which for me has diluted their importance. There have also been problems with membership of the Young People's Working Group, a committee which should have had the champion as a voting member.

"However, I know changes to the role are to be proposed soon, following the establishment of a Youth Council in York, and I support changes that reflect that. But in the event the Children and Young People's Champion role is abolished, the Youth Council must be given some teeth to do its job properly.

"When I began this role, the Champion was the only voice for young people. Now there is both Youth Parliament and Youth Council representation and this is a huge step forwards".