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A Knight and Week to Remember

Aspiring politician Leon Gould had a knight and week to remember when he trod the corridors of power with his local MP.

The Year 10 student spent his work experience in the Palace of Westminster under the guidance of New Forest West MP Sir Desmond Swayne. And the experience has cemented Leon’s ambition to one day follow in Sir Desmond’s footsteps and be a politician himself.

The ambitious youngster said: “Westminster was an incredibly impressive place to work and the staff I met were very kind and considerate. Sir Desmond was a really good guy and put time aside to help me. I was particularly surprised by how much paperwork MPs have to deal with. The experience has cemented my ambition to be a MP and who knows, one day maybe Prime Minister.”

CORRIDORS OF POWER: The Arnewood School student Leon Gould (left) spent a week’s work experience in Westminster with New Forest West MP Sir Desmond Swayne (right).

During his work experience Leon was given a guide tour of Westminster, worked in Sir Desmond’s office and produced a review of an inspection of a nursing home. The lucky student even got to sit in the House of Commons’ chamber when MPs were answering questions.

Sir Desmond Swayne said: “I was delighted to welcome Leon from Arnewood School for a work experience placement in Westminster. I believe it’s very important that young people should gain an understanding of how our democracy functions, and of the cut and thrust of politics. I hope that Leon found it worthwhile!”

After his work experience Leon returned to school to share his experience with teachers and fellow students.

Headteacher Nigel Pressnell, said: “We are incredibly grateful to Sir Desmond Swayne for welcoming Leon to Westminster and giving him such a memorable work experience placement. The week’s work experience placements for our Year 10 students are such a valuable time in their education. We are so pleased to have so many people and organisations in our community that give up their time for our students in this way.”

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