CONSERVATIVE MP for Central Devon Mel Stride has paid a visit to Queen Elizabeth’s School to speak to sixth-form students about politics and democracy.

Mr Stride gave a talk in which he offered insights into his life as a Member of Parliament and highlighted the importance of engaging in politics and the role young people can play.

There was also a “lively” question-and-answer session, with students raising questions on a variety of subjects from climate change and the cost of living, to how MPs make decisions and represent their constituents.

“It was a real pleasure to meet such thoughtful and engaged students at Queen Elizabeth’s sixth form,” Mr Stride said after the visit.

“Their questions were sharp, passionate, and well-informed – exactly what we need from the next generation of voters.

“I strongly believe that political education and open conversations like this are key to strengthening our democracy.”

Mr Stride, who is also Shadow Chancellor, has previously voiced concerns about growing political apathy amongst younger voters and has advocated for policies aimed at winning back votes from 18- to 24-year-olds.

His visit to Queen Elizabeth’s School was organised as part of the school’s “mission to empower students to think critically and engage confidently with the world around them”. It follows a recent school trip to the European Parliament.

Mr Stride, who is 63 years old, has been the Conservative MP for Central Devon since 2010. His constituency covers a wide area and includes Crediton, Okehampton and Ashburton.

Married with three daughters, he was appointed Shadow Chancellor of the Exchequer in November under Kemi Badenoch’s leadership.

He was previously Work and Pensions Secretary in Rishi Sunak’s government until the Conservatives lost the general election in July.

Mr Stride narrowly beat the Labour candidate for Central Devon by just 61 votes, despite going into the election with a 17,721-strong majority.