Shadow First Secretary of State and Deputy Leader of the Labour Party Angela Rayner met students and teachers at Great Academy Ashton to talk about the world of politics.
Angela first met with young politicians where she spoke about her journey into politics and how she pursued this as a successful career. Angela is the current MP for Ashton-Under-Lyne and has been since 2015. In 2021, Angela became Shadow Minister for the Cabinet Office and Shadow Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster.
Angela said: “School and College visits are my favourite bit of the job and it was great to meet young people who are so enthusiastic about their learning.”
She also met GCSE Citizenship students to support them in their studies and provide them with an understanding of the political system and what the Labour party stand for in regard to their values and origins.
Students representing all political persuasions put forward challenging and informed questions covering a range of topics. They asked about how Ashton-under-Lyne has progressed over the years, Angela’s views on the issue of homelessness, the first thing the Labour party would do if they gained power, the best part of being an MP, and the routes into becoming a politician.
Students also raised key points about the roles in the political system, how to solve the energy crisis and why Angela chose Labour over other political parties.
David Waugh, Principal of Great Academy Ashton, said “It’s a great privilege to welcome Mrs Angela Rayner to Great Academy Ashton. Mrs Rayner is a tremendously successful politician and is a brilliant role model for all members of our community. She has achieved on a local, national and international stage and it is a fantastic opportunity for our students to learn from her experiences and her passion for the betterment of the lives of our young people.”
“Here at Great Academy Ashton, we promise that we will give all of our students the best outcomes, the best experiences and the greatest of participation and celebration so that they will achieve in line with the best students in our country. Welcoming such figures as Angela is very much a part of ensuring our students have the best opportunities to develop, learn and aspire”.