Rayleigh and Wickford MP Mark Francois was put through his paces during a lively question and answer session with Year 9 politics students at Beauchamps High School this morning. The session was witnessed by Headteacher Mr Bob Hodges, who will be retiring this summer after many years’ service at the school.
Mark was quizzed on a variety of subjects, including the roles and duties of an MP; what motivated him to become an MP; his opinions on Donald Trump as US President - and whether Arsène Wenger should remain as manager of Arsenal (Mark thought that he should).
When asked what advice he would offer to pupils at Beauchamps, Mark replied that they should be ambitious about their futures, work hard and seek to make their dreams about future careers come true.
Commenting on his visit to the school Mark said:
"I really enjoyed my question and answer session with Year 9 this morning. They were a lively bunch and asked some thought provoking questions. Visiting the school also gave me an opportunity to bid farewell to Bob Hodges, who has been an excellent Headteacher and who leaves behind him a very successful school, graded outstanding by Ofsted. I wish him all the very best for the future. "