Two school students have won the chance to work alongside Helen Grant, the Conservative’s prospective parliamentary candidate for Maidstone and the Weald as she works up her campaign towards the next General Election.

Blaise Matthews, 16, of Maidstone Grammar School, and Sophie Jones, 17, of Cranbrook School, emerged triumphant from a gruelling selection process in which they tested their knowledge of local political issues against three other finalists.

Mrs Grant said: “Everyone on the selection panel was stunned by the qualities of all five finalists. They had to write and deliver a speech, answer political questions and engage in debate.

“They were all first class and I’m sure they’ll go far in whatever career paths they choose. Each candidate had something unique to offer.”

Mrs Grant said she was so impressed by the enthusiasm of each candidate she has invited them all to join her campaign team.

Blaise said: “I feel extremely excited and I can’t wait to start working with Mrs Grant.

“I’d love to be a politician myself sometime in the future. I think everyone in a democracy should be prepared to put themselves forward. I feel very passionate about politics and I want to fight for justice.”

Blaise is studying politics at A-level along with English literature, sociology and history.

Sophie said: “I don’t yet know if I want to be a politician myself, but I do know that I want to play a big part in bringing about change. Young people can bring fresh new ideas and they are able to relate, often very well, to people who haven’t been politically engaged before.”

The two winners can expect to visit the House of Commons and other government buildings, meet councillors, ministers and shadow ministers, learn about fund raising, doorstep campaigning, and writing and giving speeches.

They will also do political research, create leaflets, meet retiring MP Ann Widdecombe, and participate in the run up to the European and county council elections next spring and the General Election.

The runners up were Matt Baker, 16, of Oakwood Park Grammar School; Henry Comet, 17, of Cranbrook School, and Kimberley Peake, 16, of Maidstone Grammar School for Girls.