Discussing democracy

Leader of the House of Commons and Lord President of the Privy Council, the Rt Hon Andrea Leadsom MP, has visited Cardiff University to talk with students from the School of Law & Politics.

A group of postgraduate students from the School had the opportunity to talk with the Leader about parliamentary democracy, the forthcoming centenary of the Representation of the People Act and the UK’s exit from the EU.

Andrea Leadsom said: “The students I met at Cardiff University had an impressive technical knowledge of current affairs and it was a great pleasure talking with them. Their views were very thought-provoking, which just goes to show that in our parliamentary democracy those who engage in politics can make a valuable contribution.”

Michael Woodland is studying for a Master’s in Politics and Public Policy at the University. He was interested to hear about politics in a real-world context: “The Leader of the House listened to our opinions on issues ranging from political engagement, the future of devolution and the continuing challenges associated with the Brexit process. This led to some lively discussions amongst the students and with the Leader herself.

“It was very interesting to hear about political topics that we hear and read about in the news from the perspective of a high-ranking member from inside the government. The experience was really fulfilling and helped to deepen our understanding of the topics we study at Cardiff.”

Professor Karen Holford, Deputy Vice-Chancellor of the University, and Professor René Lindstädt, Head of the School, also attended.

Professor Holford said: “It was a pleasure to host the Leader of the House of Commons and very interesting to gain her insights on Brexit, the democratic process and women in politics...”