A group of local 16- and 17-year-olds were given the opportunity of a lifetime: to have an exclusive Q&A with Chancellor Rachel Reeves in Downing Street, as well as a private Q&A with Mr Speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle, as part of Stafford MP Leigh Ingham’s 2026 Politics Summer School.

The group, made up of students from Blessed William Howard Catholic High School, Sir Graham Balfour School, Stafford College, King Edward VI High School, Walton High School, Haberdashers’ Adams Grammar School, and Newport Girls’ High School, and a homeschooled student, spent the week learning about politics and social action, as part of Leigh Ingham MP’s annual programme.

The highlight of the week was a visit to Westminster. As well as meeting the Chancellor and Mr Speaker, the students met transport minister Simon Lightwood, Member of the House of Lords Baron Marvin Rees, and Staffordshire Moorlands MP Karen Bradley, before watching a debate in the House of Commons.

The rest of the week was spent developing social action and campaigning skills at Stafford College, and included inspiring talks from Charlotte Almond, CEO of Staffordshire Women’s Aid and local journalist Kerry Ashdown.

The students’ campaign ideas focussed on mental health services for young people, a youth centre in Stafford, better careers advice, and improving education on domestic violence.

Leigh Ingham, MP for Stafford, Eccleshall, and the villages, said: “Summer School is one of my favourite weeks of the year. These are passionate and inspiring young people who are keen to use their voices for good.

“Their campaign ideas totally blew me away with the level of research, detail, and enthusiasm. Their presentations have given me some new ideas, particularly on youth services in Stafford – something I’ve been working on for a while – and I’m looking forward to working with the students to take their ideas forward.”

James Foley, student at Stafford College, said: “I enjoyed the London day so much that I can’t pick a favourite bit! But I particularly enjoyed the Q&A with Rachel Reeves and the tour of Downing Street, as well as meeting Sir Lindsay Hoyle and hearing about his role as Speaker. It was great to see a Parliamentary debate in real life too as it really helped contextualise what I’ve studied in my Politics A Level.”

Naveen Kaur Chahal, student at Newport Girls’ High School, said: “Our group’s presentation was on preventing domestic abuse with better education, which was inspired by Charlotte from Staffordshire Women’s Aid who came in to talk to us early in the week. I really liked the advice from Mr Speaker too – to take every opportunity you can when it is presented to you.

“Overall, I found the week really empowering, learning about how we as young people can use our voices to make change, and what we can do to make a difference on the issues we care about.”

Isabel Anne Webster, student at Stafford College, said: “It was such a privilege to take part in Leigh Ingham’s Politics Summer School. I absolutely loved getting to develop and share my ideas on what I think Stafford needs with my local MP.

“I took so much from the experiences and advice from all the people I met, as well as learnt so much about how democracy functions. I feel so inspired now, and I’d really recommend the Politics Summer School to anyone!”

Leigh Ingham MP has made creating opportunities for young people a priority since she was first elected, a natural fit given her background as a youth worker. She plans to run the scheme every year, giving more local young people the chance to take part in the experience.