Councillors face students at ‘informative’ hustings

Politics and Broadcast Journalism students had the opportunity to question councillors and gain insight into local government at an ‘informative’ hustings which capped Colleges Week.

The event, held at the College’s Sixth Form campus on St Mary’s Place, saw around 50 students gather to speak to Cllrs Steve Hunt and Robert Barnard who generously gave up their time.

“The students were great and a huge credit to the College, and the town. It was great to speak with young people who are so interested and engaged with politics.”

The hustings was the culmination of an eventful Colleges Week, in which we were the proud recipient of two Association of Colleges Beacon Awards, and Principal and CEO David Akeroyd was invited to a special reception on skills education at 10 Downing Street.

Also, Politics students collaborated with Barnsley Council on a video encouraging young people to vote, and Public Services students attended a ‘Battle of the Barristers’ event held at Barnsley Town Hall and presided over by Mayor of Barnsley Cllr Mick Stowe.

A Level Politics student Joseph McHale said: “I am thinking of a career in politics and the hustings provided an insight to what being a councillor is like, if I wanted to become a councillor.

“I thought it was good to have local councillors come into college as it made them visible to young people and really showed that the councillors at a local level are interested in hearing what young people want to see in Barnsley and, if young people supported them, what they would make Barnsley look like – which is useful when it comes to voting later on.

“It is important to have that local link, as young people can then see prospective careers in what Barnsley has to offer on a local government level.”

Fellow student Hayden Prescott said: “I personally found the information discussed very insightful. I am currently hoping for a career in politics. However, I feel that my views seem to stand outside of the big three parties. Questions regarding the town and Britain as a whole helped me see different perspectives.

“Several things from the event have tweaked my interest, especially regarding potholes, international matters and the councillors’ aims on enticing younger generations.

“I think it would be a good idea to continue these hustings events as it makes it easier for those in politics to witness a more first-hand account of views and objectives coming up to local and general elections.”

“It really showed that the councillors at a local level are interested in hearing what young people want to see in Barnsley.”

Lizzie Caunt, another student in attendance, added: “The link between local councillors and students is greatly important, as it means that young people are able to gain experience in politics on a more hands-on level, whilst witnessing the successes and foibles of politicians in and of themselves.

“It grants young people the opportunity to have their own say, and better understand the process behind the implementation of policy in local government.”

Darton East Cllr Steve Hunt said: “I thoroughly enjoyed the event. The students asked some really good and tough questions. I particularly enjoyed chatting to them afterwards.  I am pleased to hear that they got a lot of value from the event.

“They were great and a huge credit to the College, and the town. It was great to speak with young people who are so interested and engaged with politics. We discussed how political parties can better engage with the younger demographic in a digital age.”

Penistone East Cllr Robert Barnard added: “It was interesting and informative to listen to the students and to hear their views. Whenever I speak to people in Barnsley, it is apparent that the priorities of people here are not the same as the loud voices from the Westminster and media bubble would have us believe.”