West Worcestershire MP Harriett Baldwin joined with pupils from Malvern St James Girls' School to start their own mock election campaign. The MP, who will be herself seeking re-election to her seat in May, launched the school election campaign after taking part in a question and answer session with pupils. Harriett spoke about the need to elect more women into parliament and to encourage more young people to vote in the upcoming elections. Harriett commented: “It was great to be invited to talk to these young women who have clearly caught the election bug. As we mark International Women’s Day, I am especially pleased to see them take such a keen interest in current affairs. “Sixty per cent of 18 to 24 year olds didn’t vote at the last election and it is essential that we get the message across that it is so important to have your say in how the country is run. “The mock election is a great way to get young people engaged in politics and I chatted to the students and listened to their views on the issues that most affect them.” Patricia Woodhouse, Headmistress of Malvern St James Girls’ School, comments, “We are grateful to Harriett Baldwin for coming to School to launch the MSJ Mock Election Week, which is an initiative led by the girls, for the girls. “The Election will involve every girl in the school, through both Senior and Prep departments, and all will cast their vote at the end of the week. “Harriett, our MP, launched the week with a Question and Answer session. It is fantastic for our all-girls school – filled with the voters and politicians of the future – to have a successful female role model to follow, regardless of the party they ultimately choose to vote for. “I am immensely proud of the girls for showing their political engagement and for encouraging others not to waste their right to vote. I can’t wait to see who will be victorious on Friday morning. Let the battle for hearts and minds commence!”