Hemel MP reflects on success of inaugural “Future Leaders” summer school
David Taylor, Member of Parliament for Hemel Hempstead, has reflected on the success of his inaugural three-day “Future Leaders” Summer School, which gave 24 local students a hands-on introduction to community campaigning, local government and politics.
The programme, held in August across venues in Hemel Hempstead and concluding at the Houses of Parliament, was designed to equip young people with the practical skills, confidence and insight needed to drive positive change in their communities.
Feedback from students has shown a lasting impact. Understanding of the role of an MP increased by 37.5%, rising from an average of 6.7/10 to 9.2/10, while confidence to influence local decisions increased by 16.3%, from 7.2/10 to 8.3/10. Students also rated the programme’s impact on their interest in politics and public life at 8.7/10.
Participants said the most valuable skills they developed included confidence, networking, public speaking, campaigning and teamwork. Many highlighted the visit to Parliament, meeting like-minded young people, and the opportunity to question speakers and take part in practical workshops as highlights.
One student said:
“It was really useful and enjoyable — I will definitely apply if it happens next year!”
Another added:
“Thank you so much for this amazing opportunity. I hope to follow in your footsteps one day!”
The intensive programme took students from theory to practice across three days:
Day 1 – Casework and Campaigns: Hosted at West Herts College’s Hemel Campus, students explored the work of an MP’s office. With facilitators from organisations including DENS, Hope Not Hate, Hector’s House and Electric Umbrella, they designed grassroots local campaigns and pitched their ideas to a panel of experts.
Day 2 – Local Democracy and Public Services: At The Forum, senior officers and councillors from Dacorum Borough Council led a live Q&A on local decision-making. Students then took part in a mock Council Cabinet, working through a fast-paced £30 million budget simulation. The afternoon included community safety roundtables with Chief Inspector Paul Stanbridge and Inspector Neil Canning from Dacorum Police, as well as a cyber security briefing from the Parliamentary Digital Service.
Day 3 – Parliament and Westminster: Supported by sponsored travel from London Northwestern Railway, students travelled to London for a guided tour of the Palace of Westminster led by David Taylor MP. The day featured a careers Q&A in the Grand Committee Room with leaders from media, sport and politics, and concluded with a special video message from Gordon Brown.
David Taylor MP said:
Sally Symington, Leader of Dacorum Borough Council, said:
Gill Worgan CBE, Principal and Chief Executive of West Herts College, said: