MP inspipres sixth form students with book talk

POLITICS students were given a taste of what it takes to win an election after being given a talk by a government minister.
Havant MP alan Mak with housing minister Gavin Barwell and students from Havant Sixth Form CollegeHavant MP alan Mak with housing minister Gavin Barwell and students from Havant Sixth Form College
Havant MP alan Mak with housing minister Gavin Barwell and students from Havant Sixth Form College

Campaigning expert and housing minister Gavin Barwell MP was invited to Havant Sixth Form College by the town’s MP, Alan Mak.

Mr Barwell defended Croydon Central, one of the country’s most marginal seats in 2015, when he was re-elected with a majority of just 165.

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He was invited to speak to A-level politics students by Mr Mak, after releasing a book on his general election victory earlier this year.

How to Win a Marginal Seat: My Year Fighting For My Political Life, detailed the high-octane grass roots campaign that helped secure the Conservative election triumph in South London.

Mr Mak described it as a ‘fascinating talk’ and thanked Mr Barwell for giving the students a first-hand account of what it takes to win a general election.

He added: ‘For students wanting to get into politics, what better way than to hear what it is like to win elections at the sharp end than from Gavin?

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‘Hopefully it will inspire the next generation of political activists, no matter what party they support.

‘Gavin gave a fascinating talk that explained all the steps needed to turn campaign ideas into action.’

Pupils heard how the former senior government whip defied the polls, which had predicted a Labour win in the ultra-marginal seat, and fought a doorstep campaign, which meant he on average slept for fewer than four hours a night in the run-up to the election.

The minister also took questions from the 17 and 18 year olds, including his thoughts on whether the voting age should be changed and the UK’s future relationship with the EU.

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Mr Barwell said: ‘It was thoroughly enjoyable to give a talk to such an engaging audience.

‘The students had an excellent political knowledge and I am very grateful to Alan for inviting me to Havant.’

Buy the book at bitebackpublishing.com.

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