When Gordon Brown called an election for the 6th May, the pupils of Tower College were delighted. 46 pupils and their teachers had visited the Houses of Parliament in February 2009 and taken part in a tour and workshop, now it was time to get REALLY involved by holding their own election.


Pupils from throughout the school represented each of the parties – Andrew Lowe, aged 12, for Labour, Matthew Stock, 15, for the Conservatives, Edward Holt, 15, Liberal Democrats, Andrew Yell, 15, UKIP, Jeanna Roberts, 13, for the Green Party, Eleanor Brownbill, 13, the Monster Raving Loony Party and Mark Taylor, 14, for the Christian Peoples Alliance.


Each candidate researched their party’s polices and presented them in a speech to the whole senior school. The speeches were magnificent – informative, authentic and humorous –just what ‘genuine’ politicians ought to be aiming for. The candidates then had to face the ordeal of questions from the rest of the school, which they all handled most professionally.


The debates were chaired by Year 9 pupils Daniel Thorpe, Beth Hughes and April Heyes. They also handled the introductions and publicity. The Art Department made the ballot box and Ted Griffiths from Year 10 designed the ballot paper and polling station signs. So the whole school worked together.

Voting took place on the ‘real’ Election Day, 6th May, with polling clerks and polling booths in the Hall. Every pupil voted and a team of pupils counted the votes in record time.

 

After a tense overnight wait, just like the actual election, the results were announced by the Returning Officer, Principal Miss Rachel Oxley. The clear winner was the Liberal Democrat candidate, Edward Holt.

The whole event was part of a project organised by Google. Elections were held in schools throughout the country and reported back to Google to compare the election results for adults with those of under 18s. Tower children voted Lib Dem, so watch out for the future Shaun Woodward!

Article by Mrs Faulkner

EDWARD HOLT - LIBERAL DEMOCRAT

My name is Edward Holt and I’m representing the Liberal Democrats in the upcoming election.  I’ve been at Tower College since the start of seniors, and have enjoyed my time here.  Most people will know that I take part in many extra-curricula activities such as Band, Choir and Drama.  I play the violin and I’m also learning the bagpipes.  I’m an air cadet, and I also help out at cubs on a Friday, to do my bit for the community.  I’m running for election because I want to make my views heard.  The Liberal Democrats are the party that makes the most sense to me, and I hope, when Election Day comes, they’ll make the most sense to you to! READ MORE

MATTHEW STOCK - CONSERVATIVE

The Conservative party's main aims are to help people to become self-sufficient, to act on climate change and to improve quality of life for everyone. We will encourage people to look after themselves if they can, improve on the NHS and try to reduce our carbon emissions by 10% in 12 years - something Labour has failed to do - by investing in £6500 worth of energy-saving equipment for each household and ensuring that all cars will run on electricity or alternative fuel. And if we don't carry out our side of the bargain, vote us out in five years' time. That's our contract with you. READ MORE

MARK TAYLOR - CHRISTIAN PEOPLES ALLIANCE

Christian Peoples Alliance is a party that I believe can change Britain for the better. Over the last few years Britain has been run by corrupt politicians claiming that whatever they do is for the best when clearly the opposite is true. We cannot go on like this; we need a new pathway and the CPA is the only party that can take Britain along this road. The CPA offers a you a new Britain, a Britain underpinned with the values that made this country a once great nation. It is for this reason that  I am representing this party. Don’t we deserve a better Britain? Vote for a party that operates without greed, that doesn't seek to promote itself at the expense of all others, a caring party that respects its people and responsibility. READ MORE

CHLOE ASTRE & JEANNA ROBERTS - GREEN PARTY - Watch Our Brilliant Slideshow

It's decision time, but who’s gonna get your vote? Labour, Conservatives, Lib Dems? But you’ve got to ask yourself, does it even matter? Labour becomes more like Conservative, Conservatives like Labour and Lib Dems don’t seem to know what to do. It seems that the only real difference between these three parties is the colour of their rosettes. Who can bring about real change? The green party can. READ MORE

LAURA-JEAN GORT, ELEANOR BROWNBILL & JESSICA HODDS - MONSTER PARTY

Many of our ideas and policies first ridiculed for being “Silly” “Loony” or just plain daft have now become the Law of the land. Voting at age 18, all day opening of pubs, and many other ideas were first put forward by members of the Party. It is because of Institutions like us, that we can say that England is the Best country in the World. READ MORE

ANDREW LOWE - LABOUR  READ MORE

Education is the key to personal fulfilment, economic prosperity and social mobility. In 1997, half of our secondary schools were below the basic minimum standard. Now, because of sustained investment and reform, it is just one in twelve, with standards rising fastest in disadvantaged areas. Nearly 100,000 more children each year leave primary school secure in reading, writing and maths. School buildings, once characterised by leaking roofs and second-class facilities, are being transformed. The quality of teaching is the best ever and teachers have the status and respect they deserve. 

ANDREW YELL - UKIP

UKIP believes in straight talking. We want to put Britain and the British people first. By voting for us you send a message to our political establishment that you are not happy with them. UKIP, in Westminster will stand up and fight for you. Vote for the UK. Vote UKIP.  READ MORE

YOU TOO CAN VOTE

Although the Official Tower College Election is for pupils only, we have decided to let the parents have their say. Please watch the video (right) before you vote. This superb video has been produced by Daniel Thorpe of S3O. Please click on the arrow to start video. Some browsers may require you to click on the bottom arrow also. 

Please read all about the candidates above.