by Nick Evans

Shadow Home Secretary Chris Grayling was under the spotlight hen he visited Sittingbourne Community College to discuss youth issues with its students.

College students were joined by others from nearby Fulston Manor School and Minster College, Sheppey, as well as residents and community group leaders to form an audience of nearly 50 people.

The college’s assistant head, Chris Jewell, said Mr Grayling’s visit had stemmed from a series of assemblies held by the 16 plus year groups where political issues had been discussed and the Westminster system had been examined.

Mr Grayling’s visit had been arranged by prospective Conservative candidate Gordon Henderson, said Mr Jewell, but the school is always interested to work with other political parties if they are able to discuss informative issues with young people.

Mr Jewell said: “We set up the main hall with a platform and lighting and Mr Grayling was joined by me as chairman, Mr Henderson and local police officers Ann Jones and John Pollard to discuss issues around crime such as young people’s perceptions of crime and how safe they feel in the area.

It was a very good debate and the students came up with some searching questions.

“We discussed this for around 40 minutes and then moved on to talking about truancy and anti-social behaviour.

With the last 10 minutes to spare, Mr Grayling took the opportuntity to talk about how the Conservatives would help young people if they win the next election.

This was important as quite a few of the students will become first time voters next year.

“It was a very successful event and at the moment we’re working with the Green party on a similar sort of project.

"We’re keen to work with different parties to help inform our students about what they have to offer.”