Meet the 10-year-old mayor championing inclusivity

Sienna has been elected as the 22nd Children's Mayor of Leeds

At 10 years old, Sienna is getting her first taste of politics.

After being elected as the new Children's Mayor of Leeds, she has big dreams for her year in the role.

"I want to lower the number of people being bullied," she tells the BBC.

"It is getting a bit out of hand, it is not OK."

Sienna is the 22nd occupant of the role.

The position aims to help young people develop a greater understanding of democracy and the importance of voting.

This year's election saw a record 7,688 children cast two votes each – totalling 15,376 votes among the 12 shortlisted candidates.

In her manifesto, Sienna set out a pledge to champion diversity and inclusivity.

"Nobody wants a box of all the same crayons, imagine a box with every colour you can think of – it is bold, bright and beautiful – that is what diversity is like," she explains.

"It makes life more interesting and exciting."

The Children's Mayor is elected to help young people develop a greater understanding of democracy - meeting officials such as Lord Mayor of Leeds, Dan Cohen

Wise beyond her years, Sienna is taking a solutions-focused approach to her year in the role.

She has outlined ideas for schools to create what she calls a "take what you need board".

That could consist of sticky notes, affirmations, or friendly challenges – such as sitting next to someone new at lunch or giving someone a compliment.

She says this would "help young people be more inclusive".

The primary pupil, from the north of the city, believes young people would also benefit from a week of cultural celebration throughout her year in the role.

"Each day they could focus on a different part of the world that people are from," she says.

"They could bring in food, recipes, clothing, what they wear and other things [like] lucky charms as well.

"Everybody is equally important."

'Feel included'

According to Leeds City Council benefits of becoming the children's mayor include developing skills and confidence in public speaking, experience of canvassing and meeting different people.

Wednesday saw Sienna deliver her manifesto in a speech to a meeting of the full council.

The executive member for children and families, councillor Helen Hayden, wished her "huge congratulations" upon being elected.

"It is so important to give our children and young people a voice and it is great to see them engage in the process of democracy and learn how they can help make a difference in Leeds.

"Her winning manifesto is really inspiring and echoes a lot of the important work going on within the council and across the city."

Elected by students at other schools in Leeds, Sienna believed the odds of being voted in were "nearly impossible".

"I still cannot believe I was chosen for this role - the other candidates were great," she says.

"My whole family is happy, friends are really happy.

"Leeds is an amazing city, with lots of different voices - I want to be able to celebrate us all.

"I think it is important, because if you are born here you want to be part of this.

"You want to feel included in this city."

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