Election 2017: ‘Why aren’t you in the Labour party?’ Tory minister Priti Patel grilled by Barkingside primary school pupils
International trade secretary Priti Patel, pictured, campaigning with Ilford North's Conservative candidate Lee Scott at Avanti Court Primary School. Ms Patel took questions from the pupils. Picture: Chris McKeon - Credit: Chris McKeon
Priti Patel may have been expecting an easy ride from the children of Avanti Court Primary School when she came to Barkingside on a campaign visit.
If so, the international development secretary would have been surprised by the directness of one of her young questioners.
“Why aren’t you in the Labour Party so you can help poor people?” asked a girl from Year 3.
Conservative candidate for Ilford North, Lee Scott, answered: “Whatever party you may be representing, you want to help people.
“The Conservative Party want to help people that need it just as much as any other party.”
Both politicians were impressed by the children’s eloquence and enthusiasm for their school, in Carlton Drive.
Mr Scott said: “I think you’re the ones who will be running the country in fifty years.
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“Who would you pick as your prime minister?”
“Mrs Clinton, if she was here,” replied one of the pupils.
