Local students attend exclusive Downing Street Q&A as part of Leigh Ingham MP’s first Politics Summer School
A group of local students from Stafford, Eccleshall, and the villages, benefitted from the opportunity of a lifetime – an exclusive Q&A session with Chancellor Rachel Reeves at Number 11 Downing Street. The visit was part of the first-ever Politics Summer School hosted by local MP Leigh Ingham – a week-long programme designed to bring democracy to life for local young people.
During the Q&A, students questioned the Chancellor on issues including student loans, social care, interest rates, and taxation.
As part of the free trip to Parliament, the group also met Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport Lisa Nandy, Speaker of the House Sir Lindsay Hoyle, Lord Marvin Rees, Baron of Easton, alongside other ministers and MPs.
Leigh Ingham MP for Stafford, Eccleshall, and the villages said: “Politics – and especially Westminster politics – can feel distant and out of reach, particularly for young people. 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. 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 along the way.
The Chancellor Rachel 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."
Leigh Ingham, MP for Stafford, Eccleshall, and the villages said: “I brought a group of local students from different backgrounds, with different stories, right to the heart of government. From learning how change happens to stepping through the doors of Number 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.”
Harriet Austin, a student who attended the trip, 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 students who attended, said: “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 Politics Summer School was a great experience. We learnt useful communication skills, created our own campaigns, and had an incredible trip to Parliament.”
Following the success of the programme, Leigh Ingham MP has confirmed that Summer School will return next year, running from 6-10 July 2026.
