STUDENTS gained their first taste of democracy as an election battle bus landed at their college.
Darlington College has invited all political parties to visit as part of its curriculum, which is built on the British values of democracy, rule of law, mutual respect, individual liberty and tolerance of religious faiths and beliefs.
Labour was first to take up the call with political heavyweight and deputy leader of the party Angela Rayner arriving as part of a national tour, along with prospective parliamentary candidate for Darlington Lola McEvoy.
Darlington College’s deputy principal Carole Todd said: “For many of our students this will be the first opportunity to vote in a general election and it is important they understand the need to register to vote to help continue the democratic process.
“Whatever their political views, they were thrilled to meet such a high profile politician as Angela and also put a face to one of the local candidates.”
Students questioned the political pairing on a host of local issues and national policies including health, housing and education.
Mrs Rayner has been Member of Parliament for Ashton-under-Lyne since 2015 and deputy leader of the Labour Party since 2020. Last year she became shadow deputy prime minister and shadow secretary of state for levelling up, housing and communities.
She told students: “You are the future. You have got to register to vote.” Ms McEvoy added: “It is your future. It is in your hands.”
For more information on opportunities at Darlington College visit www.darlington.ac.uk.
