On 27th April, ex-Prime Minister Gordon Brown came to Parkwood Academy to face questions from the students.
The students asked questions on a range of subjects, including child care, employment opportunities and education. The questions were asked in a confident and articulate manner.
He then had a session with about 50 Labour Party supporters. In the second session there were at least two former Sheffield Lord Mayors, three Members of Parliament (including our former local MP, David Blunkett), Labour parliamentary candidates and a number of city councillors, including the three representing Burngreave.
Apart from the Burngreave Messenger, there were other journalists from the national and local press in attendance. Highlights of the afternoon were shown on BBC One's “Look North” programme that night.
Sarah Champion, MP for Rotherham, introduced Gordon Brown, who seemed happy and relaxed as an ex-Prime Minister. Nevertheless, he was a forceful, witty and passionate speaker. He began by praising the students and the staff at the Parkwood Academy for their successes. Unsurprisingly, he expressed no doubt about which might be the best party to form the next government.