Bolton School hosts Speaker of the House of Commons Sir Lindsay Hoyle

Sir Lindsay Hoyle visited Bolton School.

He stressed how getting young people involved in politics had always been a priority for him, and, indeed, how this had been a part of his own experience having come from a political family.

Having become the youngest councillor to serve Chorley at the age of twenty-two and experiencing local politics, he told how he was encouraged to stand for the Labour Party.

Sir Lindsay covered numerous topics, including the various positions he has held and the duties they entail, helping to improve Parliament’s cyber security, the aftermath of Jo Cox’s death and the London Bridge terror attack.

He then went into more detail about his election as the Speaker of the House of Commons, what the role means and how he has brought his own style to the post.

Sir Lindsay went on to open the floor to questions, the first of which was – ‘is it difficult to remain neutral?’

He replied that being neutral is part of the rules, and he could not have taken the job if he was not prepared to follow them.

Students gathered at Bolton School to listen to Sir Lindsay Hoyle (Image: Bolton School)

He admitted that it is sometimes difficult, but he cannot show favouritism.

When asked whether it is difficult to represent his constituency as Speaker, he said that he still lives in Chorley and ensures that he makes time to be there and to talk to constituents.

He also said that he has a unique position, in that he may not be able to speak in the chamber, but he can summon the Prime Minister, and others, and, in private, use his position effectively on behalf of his constituents. 

Sir Lindsay Hoyle with Bolton School pupils who are involved with MUN (Image: Bolton School)

Tom Winrow, politics and history teacher at the girls' division, said: “Sir Lindsay’s talk was a wonderful opportunity for Bolton School students studying Politics at A Level, as well as younger Girls’ Division pupils involved in Model United Nations (MUN), to hear from a senior political figure about working in government.

“I was delighted to extend an invite to local schools and colleges too.

“All in all, it has been a great morning.”