Stafford teenagers travel to No. 11 Downing Street to grill the Chancellor

A group of 18 youngsters aged 16-18 from schools and colleges across the Stafford area were invited with a question-and-answer session with Rachel Reeves as part of a politics summer school organised by Leigh Ingham MP.

As part of a free trip to Westminster, the group also met Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy, Speaker of the House Sir Lindsay Hoyle, and former mayor of Bristol Baron Rees of Easton, and transport minister Simon Lightwood.

Miss Ingham said it was the first time such an event had been held in the constituency, and organised it to bring democracy to life for young people.

The youngsters came from institutions including Stafford College, Blessed William Howard Catholic High School, Newport Girls High School, Sir Graham Balfour School, and Weston Rd Academy.

Harriet Austin, 16, a pupil at Sir Graham Balfour School, said: “The politics summer school was such an incredible experience, one of the best weeks of my life.

"Getting to meet massively inspirational people like Rachel Reeves, Marvin Rees, and Simon Lightwood, it was an exciting dive into the world of politics and all in all, was immensely fun. I couldn't recommend it enough.”

Demarni Haven, another of the teenagers who attended, added: “It was amazing to have the opportunity to directly ask the Chancellor a question about tax rates for entrepreneurs. 

"I was nervous at first, but she really put me at ease, it was such a memorable moment.

“The summer school was a great experience. We learned useful communication skills, created our own campaigns, and had an incredible trip to Parliament."

Miss Ingham said she decided to organise the event to make politics more relevant to younger people.

“Politics, especially Westminster politics, can feel distant and out of reach, particularly for young people," she said.

"I really want to change that, because I believe politics should be done with young people, not to them. 

"As part of the programme, students developed their own social action campaigns on issues they care about, from tackling local homelessness to improving mental health support in schools."

She said, with guidance from experts, they learned how to take an idea and turn it into a plan for real-world change, building skills in campaigning, communication, and community leadership.

Miss Reeves said: "It was a real privilege to spend time with this brilliant group of young people, and to engage with their thoughtful questions.

"Leigh has put together an excellent programme for the summer school, I hope the pupils return feeling encouraged to pursue positive change in their communities and the country.

Miss Ingham said the event brought a group of teenagers from different backgrounds, with different stories, to the heart of government. 

"From learning how change happens to stepping through the doors of No. 11 and speaking with the Chancellor, the summer school was about showing local young people how politics works, how it changes lives, and why their voices matter," she said.

She said she would be repeating the event next year.