AKS Lytham was delighted to welcome Mr Andrew Snowden, MP for Fylde, to the school last week following his attendance at Prime Minister’s Questions in Westminster. During his visit, Sixth Form student Jess A had the opportunity to interview Mr Snowden in a live podcast, discussing his journey into politics, key issues facing the Fylde region and the role of young people in shaping the future.
Mr Snowden shared insights in front of Year 10 and Year 12 students into his career path. Originally from Bolton, he studied Military History at Salford University (2008) before entering a graduate management programme. He returned to the University in 2013 to take up the post of Head of the Vice-Chancellor's Office and in 2018 became the Associate Director of External Relations.
His political career began in 2017 when he was elected as a County Councillor, and in 2021 Mr Snowden was elected Lancashire Police and Crime Commissioner. In June 2024, he was selected as the Conservative Parliamentary Candidate for Fylde in the 2024 general election.
During the interview, a wide range of topics were discussed, including advice for students interested in working in politics, economic policy, taxation, local industry and the challenges facing the Fylde. Mr Snowden highlighted the importance of maintaining a strong economy and supporting industries that are key to Fylde, such as tourism and agriculture.
The discussion also touched on youth engagement in politics, with Mr Snowden emphasizing the importance of young people having a voice in decision-making. He spoke about how Parliament represents different regions across the UK and how economic factors influence both national and local policies.
Local issues were also addressed, including the impact of surface water and environmental concerns in Fylde, as well as the importance of supporting the hospitality sector. Infrastructure and investment in the North were also key topics, with a discussion on HS2 and regional development.
Reflecting on leadership and political discourse, Mr Snowden spoke about the need for respectful debate and constructive dialogue between parties. He also discussed the challenges of communicating political messages in today’s digital landscape.
The visit was a fantastic opportunity for students to gain firsthand insight into the workings of government and the role of an MP. Engaging with real-world political discussions continues to be a key part of the learning experience at AKS, inspiring students to think critically and ask meaningful questions about the world around them.