An MP and former cabinet minister who was also involved in the 2012 Olympic bid was quizzed by school pupils this week.

Dame Tessa Jowell, member of both the Blair and Brown cabinets, spoke to young people at Holy Family Catholic School in Walthamstow yesterday about her time as a politician.

Year Leader Kathleen Connolly said the students from the Shernhall Street school relished the chance to question the MP for Dulwich and West Norwood.

She said: “It was a truly inspiring occasion and many of our students had come prepared with probing questions.

“Dame Tessa answered the questions as candidly as she could and she was very impressed at the maturity and political awareness displayed by the audience.

“Thank you to our Head Boy and Girl, Jeffrey Acheampong and Chelsea Addai-Jeboah and to Deputy Head girl, Vanessa Davies who escorted and welcomed Dame Tessa to our school.”