Politics were brought alive for Wigan primary school pupils as they met local councillors and their MP
UK Prliament Week came to life for young pupils of a Wigan school.
Mab’s Cross Primary on Standishgate took part in the national event that encourages children to understand how democracy works and how people engage with local democracy.
It aims to explain why individuals’ voices matter and how decisions are made locally and nationally.
Labour councillor Lawrence Hunt from Wigan Central ward and lead member for heritage and building conservation, was invited in to deliver a talk to pupils on how democracy works and its importance.
He also conducted a classroom ballot, using actual ballot papers and and a black ballot box to simulate the democratic process.
The children voted on whether school summer holidays should be extended or reduced.
After a lot of fun, the result of the ballot was declared to be – surprise, surprise – a resounding majority for the longer break!
School Council representatives were also invited to the Town Hall, where they met the Mayor of Wigan, Coun Jenny Bullen and enjoyed a tour of the council chambers and leaned about the role of local government and her moral duties within the chamber.
Wigan MP Lisa Nandy also paid a visit to the school and spoke about her role in government and what inspired her to become a member of Parliament.
Coun Hunt said “The school’s pupils and staff are a credit to our town, and it was an absolute privilege to engage with the children who showed a keen interest in the political process.”