Pupils give voice to successful National Democracy Week

Rochdale Council Leader Councillor Allen Brett, Councillor Liam O'Rourke and Rochdale MP Tony Lloyd with pupils from Broadfield Primary School at Rochdale Town Hall

Primary school children swapped the classroom for Rochdale Town Hall’s historic chamber as part of National Democracy Week.

Five schools from across the borough took part in debates, mock elections and question and answer sessions during a packed programme of events.

Rochdale MP Tony Lloyd and a number of local councillors played their part by fielding questions and discussing their roles and responsibilities.

The inaugural National Democracy Week marked the 90th anniversary of the 1928 equal franchise act which gave women the same voting rights as men.

The aim of the week was to inspire and encourage the next generation of voters to engage in the political process.

Councillor Allen Brett, leader of the council, said: “It was a terrific week and great to see so many young people showing an interest in national and local decision-making. There were some really interesting questions and I would like to thank the schools for joining in. I am sure the council will be participating again next year. It certainly gets my vote!”

Clare Poole, the council’s elections manager, said: “It’s vital that young people are excited and enthused by the democratic process and I was left heartened that the next generation of voters is going to be really engaged and switched on. The schools can be proud of the part their pupils played in making it a really successful democracy week.”

The primary schools that took part in National Democracy Week were Broadfield, Castleton, Heybrook, Lowerplace and Sacred Heart.