WEST Worcestershire MP Harriett Baldwin joined with pupils from Malvern St James Girls' School to start their own mock election campaign.

The MP, who is seeking re-election in May, launched the school election campaign after taking part in a question-and-answer session with pupils.

Mrs Baldwin spoke about the need to elect more women into Parliament and to encourage more young people to vote in the upcoming elections.

She said: "It was great to be invited to talk to these young women who have clearly caught the election bug...

"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."

Headmistress Patricia Woodhouse said: "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.

"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."