A CUMBRIAN Parliamentary candidate has been 'uplifted' by a meeting with pupils at a primary school on the rural fringes of Carlisle.

At Stoneraise Primary School the Headteacher, Clem Coady, is passionate about every child having the best possible education whatever their start in life. Politics is included in the curriculum and recently the Year 6 class went to London to visit the Houses of Parliament. 

On Monday, June 17  Liberal Democrat candidate for Penrith & Solway Julia Aglionby, cycled to Stoneraise Primary School to discuss the School Council what "Matters in Eduction".

This was stop on her 350 mile cycle ride around Penrith & Solway. Julia was grilled by pupils from Year 3 to Year 6. 

The children presented Julia with a long piece of paper noting down their ideas on how to improve schools and shared these with Julia. Questions included; “What helps us learn? What funding would your party provide, what could help children attend school more and What would help teachers stay in their jobs?”

Key messages were; we need a good school environment, well supported teachers and being kind and caring. 

Julia said: “It was so uplifting to meet such a bright set of children - who are thoughtful and caring, with a thirst for learning and value their teachers. If elected I will be taking these ideas to London to present to the new Education Secretary.” 

Other candidates standing for the Penrith and Solway constituency in the General Election are :

  • JENKINSON, Mark Ian (Conservative)
  • CAMPBELL - SAVOURS, Markus Dale (Labour)
  • DENHAM - SMITH, Susan Jane (The Green Party)
  • IVINSON, Roy (Independent)
  • JOHNSTON, Chris (Independent)
  • LONG, Shaun Keith (Social Democratic Party)
  • MOODY, Matthew (Reform UK)