Welwyn Hatfield MP Grant Shapps was quizzed by Hatfield pupils during a visit as part of their Life Skills lesson.

The former Tory Party chairman attended Bishop’s Hatfield Girls’ School and was grilled by around 40 students about his role as an MP.

Mr Shapps was also questioned on plans for Brexit, possible changes to the voting system, and a key issue for the inquisitive pupils – student fee tuition loans.

One of Bishop’s Hatfield’s head girls, Izzy Cardy, said: “It was good to get an insight into the work of politicians and to have the opportunity to question Mr Shapps about local and national issues.

“It brought politics a little closer to home.”

Mr Shapps said he was impressed with the level of questioning, adding: “It’s fantastic to know how engaged young people are in local and national issues which can only be a benefit to our community as a whole.”