More than 200 students attended the School of Politics and International Studies’ annual Sixth Form Conference at the University of Hull.
The conference welcomed The Rt Hon. Lord Brady of Altrincham as keynote speaker. Lord Brady was the chairman of the 1922 Committee from 2010 to 2024 and has written a book, Kingmaker, which documents the battles for leadership during this time.
The conference featured breakout sessions on a range of subjects from US election analysis to a reset for the UK/EU as well as a panel discussion with local MPs.
Lord Philip Norton of Louth, Professor of Government, said: “The Politics Sixth Form Conference, running now for more than 20 years, enabled pupils from schools in Yorkshire, Lincolnshire and Lancashire to hear from, and engage with, politics and philosophy staff on a range of subjects – from the 2024 budget to Great Power rivalry – as well as gain notable insights from Graham, Lord Brady, who, as chair of the Conservative 1922 Committee, told three Prime Ministers when it was time to go. There was also an opportunity to quiz local councillors in a lively Q&A session, where all the panellists were Hull politics alumni.
“It proved fascinating for students to hear from someone who had been at the heart of politics in recent years. Lord Brady reflected on what led him to decide it was necessary to go to Downing Street to tell the incumbent that they had lost the confidence of their MPs and how he got on with the five Prime Ministers who held office during his 14-year tenure chairing the 1922 Committee.
“The day also gave the students a valuable introduction to the campus and the facilities it has to offer.”
Dr Matt Beech, who chaired the Q&A Panel with local MPs, said: “The roundtable of politicians interacted well with the students and members of staff in a display which brought out the best tradition of a free exchange of ideas.”