Shadow Secretary of State for Housing, John Healey MP, has returned to St Peter’s to take questions from our A Level Politics pupils.

Taking a brief break from the election campaign, Mr Healey (School House, 1976-78) spoke with pupils about how and why he got into politics, how his career has fared under four very different Labour Party leaders, and his hopes for the upcoming General Election.

The pupils quizzed the MP for Wentworth and Dearne on various issues regarding the upcoming election, including his relationship with Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn, and even challenging the spending outlined in the recently leaked party manifesto.

Mr Healey offered insights into the workings of the Labour Party and Parliament as a whole, and acknowledged that Labour are indeed making up ground in a bid to challenge the present government in the General Election.

During his time at St Peter’s, Mr Healey was especially active in drama and sport, starring in a 1977 production of Of Mice and Men, and playing for the Rugby 1st XV and Hockey 1st XI, for which he was awarded his Colours, alongside House Colours in 1978, as the Head of School House.

Ben Fuller, Head of Politics, said: “It was a pleasure to welcome John back after so many years away, particularly at this critical time in British politics. He was very frank and honest in his discussions with our pupils, and it was particularly interesting to hear how he balances his own interests with those of his constituents and his party. We’re all very grateful to John for taking the time out of his busy schedule to come and talk to us.”