Students at a Dorchester school are actively engaging in politics as the general elections draws near.
Thomas Hardye School is hosting an in-person hustings on Thursday, June 27 from 5.30pm until 6.30pm in the school's theatre with students inviting members of the public to attend.
All west Dorset candidates have been invited - Conservative candidate Chris Loder, Liberal Democrat candidate Edward Morello, Green Party candidate Kelvin Clayton and Independent candidate Marcus White will all be in attendance.
Labour candidate Donna Lumsden is unable to attend.
During the event, students will pose their own pre-submitted questions plus questions from the audience to the candidates.
The following day, on Friday, June 28, the school will run a mock general election for its students.
Student candidates will be standing to represent the Conservative Party, the Liberal Democrats, Labour, the Green Party and Reform UK.
Charlotte Roper-Brown, subject leader for politics at Thomas Hardye School, said: "It’s a great opportunity for young people to engage with politics and it has been fantastic to see the drive, organisation and passion the students have had in running their campaigns.
"Our candidates and their election teams have been tasked with investigating their parties’ pledges.
"As the campaign heats up, nationally and locally, we’re delighted to see the engagement students are having with the mock election and the enthusiasm candidates are showing."
Year 12 students Seth Carter and Daisy Merrett will be representing the Greens and have been speaking about the policies that are important to them at the upcoming election.
They said: “Our Policy is removing high stakes testing – getting rid of exams. We think it’s interesting to consider other ways of testing for students that might have a less negative impact on their mental health.”
Some students have even collaborated with local candidates and councillors.
Fellow Year 12 student, Jonathon Walford-Phekoo, is standing for the Lib Dems and has shared his experience of working alongside Mr Morello.
He said: “I’ve been involved with our local Lib Dem candidate, Edward Morello, talking about issues like water safety and I’ve worked on campaign materials with a local councillor.”
To ensure that your question is considered for selection at the hustings, send it to croper-brown@thomas-hardye.net by 12pm on Wednesday, June 26.
To book a free ticket for the event visit https://www.trybooking.com/uk/DPRL
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