My day with Iain Wright

Jaymini Shah, age 17 from Woodside Park, London has recently spent the day shadowing Iain Wright the MP for Hartlepool and Parliamentary Under- Secretary of State for the Department of Children, Schools and Families as part of The Youth of Today’s Ministerial Shadowing programme. These are her thoughts on the day.

"The day started with a tour of the department. I was introduced to all the ministers and their teams, and gained a brief insight into what each section of the department does. After this I attended two meetings discussing various issues such as the 2012 Olympics. These were the best parts of they day when I learnt the most. I then shadowed Iain Wright's ministerial team, Iain Wright's team organise the minister's day from morning till evening and I noticed that Ian Wright heavily depends on all of them!

This made me realise that although politicians do have to make important, independent decisions, in order to make the best choices they must work as a team, which was clearly demonstrated by the entire department!

The day made me realise I would like to get more involved in Politics. The UK Youth Parliament do an excellent job encouraging people like me to get involved in politics, and after having such an amazing day, I will certainly be applying for more political opportunities!

I have learnt a variety of skills including the essence of responsibility, organisation, determination and motivation! With regards to Iain Wright I learnt how much responsibility he undertakes in his job, and also realised how organised him and his team are to make sure every task for the day is completed. In regards to myself, after observing and shadowing Ian Wright, I learnt that through determination and motivation anyone and everyone can succeed!"

Aged 13-19? Interested in shadowing a government minister? Apply now.