This morning I went through the day’s top headlines in my daily LGIU e-mail with the usual ‘some interesting stuff but nothing to get my knickers in a knot over’ attitude. That was until I came across an article in the Independent that read ‘Pupil Aaron Parfitt excluded after school protest calling for more homework‘.

The broader complaint was about standards in Bispham High School in Blackpool. I am tremendously impressed that a student of such tender years had the initiative, organisational skills and determination to follow through with a protest of this size. Following my last contribution on the dangers of so much emphasis on the importance of the professionals in early years, my point has been sorely demonstrated at Bispham High School.

I am horrified that a publicly funded school that is in special measures should deem it fitting to trample this young guy’s enthusiasm for learning and his daring to be political. After all the bluster we hear from commentators, politicians and schools about getting students interested in politics, the minute one becomes political he is smacked down for it. This is a shameful state of affairs and we as Liberal Democrats shouldn’t stand for it.

We as liberal democrats must celebrate this young boy who will not be backed by any Trade Union because it is a protest that is against their political interests. I implore Liberal Democrats to do as I will be doing and write to the head of Bispham High School to have this expulsion expunged from Aaron’s file.

Aaron was fighting for better standards in his school. The professionals failed him and as an academy his institution does not submit to the doctrine of accountability. He didn’t have a voice and so he did what any liberal minded person would do in that situation, the right thing, he protested.

Aaron should be celebrated for showing an interest in politics and we should support him in his cause for better standards at that school and in his educational experience.

* Patrick McAuley is a councillor in Stockport