Group aims to boost interest in politics
AYOUNG journalist from Runcorn had the chance to grill Mike Amesbury as part of a project aiming to boost interest in politics. Eric Kostadinov, sub-editor at the Talk Politics website, contacted Mike for an interview and was invited to the constituency office next to Runcorn Shopping City where he put his questions to the Weaver Vale MP ranging from his early experiences as a new MP, to his views on football.
In the session, Mike revealed he was politicised at an early age through viewing the treatment of West Yorkshire miners by Margaret Thatcher’s Government, and his desire to scrap the House Of Lords and replace it with a senate.
He also talked about the quirks of the House Of Commons, including his ceremonial Weaver Vale ‘sword hanger’ that contains a small plastic sword.
High-flying Eric, a former St Chad’s Catholic And Church Of England High School pupil, was picked out as one to watch by Priestley College last year following his A-level successes.
Mike said: “It’s great to see an organisation working to tackle political apathy – which is a huge problem for our democracy.
“It’s especially important that we get the message out there to young people that they can really make a difference by engaging in political debate.
“If the last election showed us one thing it’s that young people are starting to hear that message.” ● ●