It was fascinating to welcome back Trinity alumnus, Lord Gavin Barwell, to speak to a packed classroom of Sixth Form Politics students last week. He gave a brief overview of his career, how he currently places himself on the political spectrum (homeless!) and what he thinks the next 12 months in global politics will bring. He then generously opened the floor for questions from students and staff, spending a lot of time answering as candidly as possible.
Gavin left Trinity in 1990, and although studied Maths and Physics at university, revealed that it was at school that his interest in politics started and led to him pursuing it as a career. He was proud to represent his hometown of Croydon as an MP from 2010-2017 and still believes there is a lot that is good about this area including the diverse community, the green spaces and fantastic schools like Trinity! He said that he misses being an MP more than he misses being Chief of Staff.
Gavin talked about politics as a ‘team game and how it’s important that everyone is a team player’. He spoke about how much influence you have at every level of UK Government and explained the role of Chief of Staff. Being Number 2 to the Prime Minister meant that Gavin was literally ‘in the room’ for all of the most important meetings with world leaders throughout that time. He said that although the job completely consumed his life for the two years he held the position, how privileged he felt to be a part of Theresa May’s government.
Gavin left the students on a positive note; he was encouraging about the future in the hands of young people, and was certain better times are ahead, if not with a few challenges along the way.
Thank you to Gavin for his time and to all the students for their interest and considered questions.
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