MP Mims Davies returns to Haywards Heath College for powerful politics Q&A

Haywards Heath College recently welcomed MP Mims Davies for an engaging talk with A-level Politics students, followed by an in-depth Q&A focusing on her parliamentary career and experiences in public life.

The East Grinstead and Uckfield and the villages MP spoke to students about her role in Parliament before opening the floor to questions. Students asked about her decision to join the Conservative Party, her experience as a Party Whip, and what it has been like being a woman in politics.

The visit followed a recent trip to the college by Mid Sussex MP Alison Bennett, continuing a strong programme of political engagement for students.

During the session, Ms Davies reflected on her background, explaining how growing up just outside Horsham and studying Politics at Collyer’s College helped shape her career. “That really sparked my long-term interest,” she said. “After a career outside politics, it drew me back.”

Ms Davies is currently Shadow Minister for Women and Shadow Secretary of State for Wales. She told students she has served as an MP in three different constituencies over 11 years and spent eight years as a minister in the previous Conservative government, including five years at the Department for Work and Pensions.

She also spoke about her experience as a Party Whip for almost a year during Theresa May’s government in the Brexit period, as well as holding roles as Sports Minister, Minister for Civil Society and Wales Minister.

Asked about the student questions, Ms Davies said:
“I think geopolitically things are extremely tense and complicated at the moment. This was quite a different session to ones I’ve done here previously, because of the international situation and because we are nearly two years into a Labour government.

“I’ve been in government before, and now I’m in opposition, and that really changes the nature of the questions. But the students clearly recognise that a great deal is going on in politics – and that doesn’t ever seem to change.”

Speaking about the importance of visiting the college, she added:
 “It’s really important, especially with votes at 16 coming up. We’re looking at one of the biggest changes to our franchise, possibly by 2029, and before that the centenary of equal voting rights in 1928.”

“This gives me an opportunity to talk about the wider work I’m doing in Parliament to engage young people. Supporting social mobility and progression is a real passion of mine, so coming here is incredibly important, and I’m always delighted to be invited.”

Charlie Richardson, Lecturer in Politics at Haywards Heath College, said:
“We’re always happy to welcome Mims to Haywards Heath College – a partnership we’ve continued for nearly six years now. It was a great opportunity for students to gain insight into the role of a Shadow Cabinet minister and the work that entails.”

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