Mr Speaker finds himself answering questions during visit to Stafford school
The Speaker of the House of Commons found it was his turn to answer the questions when he met pupils at a West Midland primary school.
Sir Lindsay Hoyle visited Parkside Primary School in Stafford, where he was grilled by youngsters about his role keeping MPs in order.
Sir Lindsay met with the school’s pupil parliament, and heard about work to promote languages across the school and its plans to create a new sensory garden.
He also took part in a question-and-answer session with the pupils aged nine-to-11, who asked him what he finds most challenging and rewarding about his role.
The visit was organised by Stafford MP Leigh Ingham, who said the school could feel proud of its youngsters.
"Their confidence, curiosity, and thoughtfulness really stood out, and they asked such brilliant questions," he said.
"The children were genuinely buzzing to meet Mr Speaker, it’s clear he is a huge celebrity, and it was brilliant to see how engaged they were with how Parliament works and how decisions are made.”
Headmistress Sophie Jones said the pupils had really enjoyed the experience.
“The children were so excited to welcome Mr Speaker to our school and to share their ideas and ambitions with him," she said.
"It meant a great deal to them that he took the time to listen so carefully, and the experience has really brought their learning about democracy to life.”
Miss Ingham said it was a priority of hers to involve children and young people with democracy, making them feel heard as a core part of her role.
She added the Speaker had previously met young people from the constituency as part of the politics summer school she held last year.
