Future Voices: James Hunt, Mayor of Emersons Green

When most people think about politics, their minds jump straight to Westminster or Downing Street. But democracy begins much closer to home. In Emersons Green, that local voice is represented by James Hunt, the Mayor of Emersons Green. We spoke to James about what his role really involves, how young people can get involved in shaping the place they live, and why neurodiversity has been such an important part of his journey.

Watch a small snippet of our Everything Emersons interview with James. Full video is linked at the end of the blog post.

What Does the Mayor of Emersons Green Do?

The role of mayor often conjures up images of grand events and ribbon cuttings – and yes, that is part of it. James explained that his position has two sides: one ceremonial and one administrative.

On the ceremonial side, the mayor represents Emersons Green at community events, openings, and local celebrations. But behind the scenes, James is also responsible for running the town council itself. He chairs meetings, works with the clerk and staff to ensure the council is properly managed, and makes sure local taxes are spent transparently.

“All our decisions, meeting minutes and consultations are published online,” James explained. “We’re held to a very high standard, which is how it should be – everything we do needs to be open and accountable.”

For parents, this is an important reminder: the services, facilities and projects we see every day – from flowers in public spaces to youth services – are the result of decisions made right here in our own community.

Why Young People’s Voices Matter

One of the strongest themes from our conversation was how much James wants young people to have a say.

“Most people don’t really know what the town council does, young or old,” he admitted. “But your voice matters, and it can shape decisions.”

All town council meetings are public. Anyone – including young people – can attend and raise issues that matter to them, from skate parks to youth services. The council also runs consultations, often delivered through the door or shared on social media, where residents can give feedback on specific plans.

James is passionate about giving younger residents more opportunities to get involved. He believes schools and communities could do more to teach democracy in action, and that if young people are encouraged to participate early, they’ll grow up understanding their influence in society.

Living and Leading with Neurodiversity

James also shared his personal story of being neurodiverse. Diagnosed with ADHD at the age of five, he has lived with difference long before it was widely understood.

“There’s still a lot of prejudice,” he reflected. “People sometimes say, ‘Why don’t you just do it this way?’ without realising that neurodiverse people approach things differently. It doesn’t mean better or worse – just different.”

To explain, James used the analogy of left-handedness. A century ago, left-handed children were often forced to use their right hand, and no tools were designed for them. Once society began to accept left-handedness and provide the right tools – like left-handed scissors – the stigma disappeared, and people could thrive.

James believes we’re at a similar turning point with neurodiversity. By making simple accommodations and shifting perspectives, communities can unlock the strengths of neurodivergent people.

As mayor, he is determined to make local leadership more inclusive. “We have a duty to represent everyone – across disability, neurodiversity, income or any other difference. Inclusivity should be at the heart of everything we do.”

Building a Better Emersons Green

James has been on Emersons Green Town Council for more than 20 years, but the last few years as mayor have brought big changes.

During COVID-19, the council had to rethink its purpose. “We had a choice,” he explained. “Do people pay a pound a week for a council that does very little, or two pounds a week for one that makes a real impact?”

The decision was made to expand the council’s capacity, and the results are already visible. Full-time caretakers now keep public spaces attractive and welcoming. Flowers, tidy green areas, and better upkeep are noticeable improvements funded through local council tax.

Perhaps the most exciting development has been the introduction of a dedicated youth officer. This new role is focused on supporting young people, including the creation of a mobile youth centre that will travel to different parts of the community.

Looking ahead, James hopes to establish a Youth Council – a group of under-18s who would be given their own budget to spend on projects and priorities they believe are important. “It would be fantastic for teaching democracy, but also for making sure young people are represented in decisions that affect them,” he said.

Why It Matters for Families

For parents in Emersons Green, James’ message is clear: local democracy isn’t just for adults. Encouraging young people to get involved gives them confidence, skills, and a sense of belonging.

Attending a council meeting or responding to a consultation may not sound exciting at first, but it’s a real opportunity to influence decisions about youth services, parks, and facilities that families use every day. Parents can support by making young people aware of how local government works, and even attending meetings together.

Neurodiversity was another key theme of our conversation. For families raising neurodivergent children, James’ openness about his own ADHD journey is reassuring. It shows that difference doesn’t hold you back from leadership – in fact, it can bring unique strengths to the table.

How to Get Involved

If you’d like to learn more about Emersons Green Town Council, all meeting minutes, consultations, and contact details for councillors are available online at https://emersonsgreen-tc.gov.uk/ There are also noticeboards across the town displaying updates and events.

You can:

• Attend a public council meeting (they are open to all).
  
  

• Take part in consultations delivered through your door or shared online.
  
  

• Encourage young people to raise their own ideas and attend meetings.
  
  

• Stay updated on projects like the mobile youth centre and Youth Council.
  
  

Closing Thoughts

From chairing council meetings to planting flowers, the role of mayor covers far more than most of us realise. But as James Hunt reminded us, it’s not just about what the council does for us – it’s also about how we, as a community, get involved.

By being transparent, encouraging young voices, and recognising the value of neurodiversity, Emersons Green is building a stronger, more inclusive future. And with projects like a Youth Council on the horizon, there has never been a better time for young people to play their part.

Future Voices is all about amplifying the voices of local leaders and residents. James’ story shows that leadership starts at home – and that every voice, young or old, has the power to shape our community.

Future Voices is a youth-led interview and blog series from Everything Emersons, supported by Emersons Green Town Council. We celebrate the voices, stories, and experiences of young people in South Gloucestershire.