For the past week, I have hosted successful applicants to my summer school in Crewe and Nantwich for a range of workshops, seminars, and activities on political and community action.   

Guest speakers included leaders Nick Mannion from Cheshire East Council and Jane Ashworth OBE from Stoke City Council as well as the CEO of the Chamber of Commerce Paul Colman, representatives from local charities, public offices and unions.  

The students visited landmark sites across the constituency, with a walking tour from Councillor Ben Wye on the first day, as well as a visit to the Mornflake Stadium, Cheshire College, the Municipal Buildings and the St Paul’s Centre.   

This course was aimed at young people wanting to increase their knowledge and understanding of politics: what it’s about, how it affects them, and how to get involved. It also gave young people the chance to gain an insight into public services and how they operate.  

Each speaker provided key insights on their own political engagement and the different areas involved – covering topics like town planning, to media training, generating local economic growth and campaigning.  

My journey to becoming your Member of Parliament for Crewe and Nantwich all started with wanting to make a change. From that moment on, as an elected Councillor, and before that in the Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC), I have been lucky enough to work with some fantastic people who have supported me throughout the process. 

Being part of the newest intake of MPs, I know what it feels like to be on the other side of the curtain. For young people especially, it’s vital that we get them involved in the political system. I hope that this week has demystified how the system works and the different avenues available for them to have influence.  

My own experience has led me to elected office, but over the past week, we’ve heard from people across a range of different industries about the impact that political action can have across all areas of life.

It’s vital that we give the next generation the tools and the knowledge to engage in our political system. I will be keeping in touch with all of the attendees in the hopes that they find their own path to community action.

This week would not have been possible without the hard efforts of the staff in my office, as well as the numerous speakers and representatives that gave up their time to come and speak to – and inspire – the next generation. Thank you!

Day 1: Power and Representation 

Summer School started with a thrilling historical tour of Crewe from Councillor Ben Wye, followed by an introduction to local government, the role of unions in the system, and elections. 

We were then kindly joined by several Councillors to lead a debate on the investment criteria of pension funds. 

Day 2: Public Services and Policy in Action 

On Day 2 of Summer School, Katy McGlynn from My CWA led an interactive session with the students covering the vital role of non-governmental organisations in supporting vulnerable people. She delivered an important session to the students on domestic abuse and relationships.

Cheshire Police and Crime Commissioner Dan Price and Inspector Josh Jones, Sergeant John Roberts and Officer Tim Davey from Crewe East gave their insights to the key relationships and differences between elected representatives and operational roles working on crime. 

Day 3: Design your own town   

The Chair of the Chamber of Commerce and I outlined the key factors that affect local economic development – covering everything from small businesses to public transport. 

We then challenged them to design their own town, putting what they’d learnt into practise. 

The group were also joined by representatives from some of the constituency’s biggest employers, Bentley Motors and Mornflake. 

Day 4: Make Your Voice Heard   

My office led a day jam-packed with media training, giving the students pointers on how to respond to difficult questions, stay on-message and keeping it authentic.  

The group produced their own content covering an issue of their choice via podcast or video format. We then tested their training with a makeshift question time.