UKs future journalists put MP Lee Barron under the microscope

The potential headline writers of future national and international news have stepped into the world of politics with the grilling of their local Member of Parliament about his work, his beliefs and what the Government is delivering for the community of Corby and East Northamptonshire.

The students who met with Lee were from Oundle School Sixth Form, one of Britain’s leading co-educational boarding and day schools, the teenagers sit on the Editorial Team of the Oundle Chronicle, a quarterly print newspaper that has been delivered to residents across the town for over three decades.

“I very much enjoyed meeting and being cross questioned by these hard working and talented young people.” Lee Barron, the Member of Parliament for Corby and East Northamptonshire said following the interview that took place at the Cripps Library in Oundle.

“The Government is just over 100 days old but the students rightly asked me about what we have delivered to date as well as why I got into politics, what I believe in and what I think the future holds for our local community and the rest of the UK.” he added.

Questions included the Government commitment to ending the exemption of fee-paying schools from paying VAT, immigration, the local job market, Northamptonshire health provision and the role of technology in the future of protecting the young people.

“The Chronicle team were really pleased to meet Lee,” said Leigh Giurlando from Oundle School. “They appreciated speaking to him in person and hearing his views and priorities.”

“The pupils did really well questioning Lee on the issues that concern the Oundle community. We’re sure residents will be interested to hear what he has to say,” she said.

“I was really impressed that the students had done their homework before the interview.” Lee said. “They knew lots about local and national issues and had obviously read up on my background.”

The MP explained to students his work on the local job market and the Skills Council he is working to set up with local colleges. He talked about Nike setting up their UK Logistics Campus in Corby and his concern about the influence of social media that promotes lies which ‘travel faster than the truth.”

“I am so grateful that students at Oundle School Sixth Form are ensuring the future of the Oundle Chronicle is one of quality news reporting.” Lee added. “They even asked me about my beloved Vespa. Yes, I am a fair-weather rider but while some people arrive in speed others of us arrive in style.”

“The School and the Chronicle can be very proud of their students.”