District, parish and county councillors take part in fast paced political speed dating at The King's School, Ottery St Mary

East Devon Councillors Susie Bond, Darryl Nicholas and Peter Burrows 'elected' by Year 11 pupils

A group of councillors from East Devon District, Devon County and West Hill Parish Councils were recently put in the hot seat at The King's School in Ottery St Mary, when they were subjected to tough questions from Year 11 pupils during two rounds of political speed dating. 

East Devon District Councillors Susie Bond, Darryl Nicholas and Peter Burrows were voted the clear winners at the lively and informative events and both praised the topical and interesting questions they were asked by the young people.

Political speed dating is a fast-paced and exciting way for young people to engage with their local councillors. Councillors travelled from across the district to answer the 'quick fire' questions put to them by students who then voted for the councillor they would elect, based on how well they performed.

Councillors who attended included:

• East Devon District Council: Councillors Susie Bond, Eleanor Rylance, Peter Burrows, Peter Faithfull, Paul Carter, Alan Dent, Geoff Pratt, Pauline Stott and Darryl Nicholas
• Devon County Council: Councillor Claire Wright
• West Hill Parish Council: Councillor Jessica Bailey             

Councillor feedback was it was always a pleasure to be part of this great event. Jo Elliott Head of PSHE/Citizenship from The King's School said that the sessions had been the usual great success.

Cllr Susie Bond said:

This event is one of the highlights of the council year. King's students are really well informed and we covered a wide range of topics over the two sessions, not least mental health in young people, climate change and, inevitably, Brexit.

Cllr Peter Burrows said:

It was great to see the enthusiasm for politics on subjects from Brexit to Environmental pollution.  Regenerated my belief that the country will be safe in their hands if they fight for what they believe in.  Well done Kings!