An Oaklands Catholic School student, who is the newly elected Member of Youth Parliament for Havant, Fareham and Gosport, had the chance to discuss policy during a meeting with MP Alan Mak.
Anastasia Lonergan, 15, who is going into Year 11 at the school, recently won the vote of her fellow youngsters to represent the three areas and sat down for a cup of tea with the local MP she hailed as "inspiring".
Mr Mak, who was also recently re-elected as MP for Havant, spent time speaking with Anastasia about the issues that matter to young people in the area and how they can work together in future.
Members of Youth Parliament (MYP) are elected annually in every part of the UK. Once elected MYPs organise events, run campaigns, make speeches, hold debates and ensure the views of young people are listened to by decision makers.
Mr Mak said: “I was delighted to meet Anastasia and to hear her plans on how she will represent young people here in Havant. Becoming an MYP is a fantastic achievement and after hearing her passion for the role, I am sure she will do a great job.
"The views of young people in politics are extremely important – they are the future – and I think it’s amazing we have great people like Anastasia in our community who are putting themselves forward and making sure the voices of young people are heard."
As well as speaking up for young people, MYPs get the chance to take part in an annual debate in the House of Commons chamber, which this year takes place on Friday 10 November. Mr Mak backed a unanimous motion which will enable Members of Youth Parliament to debate in the Commons chamber for the rest of this Parliament.
Anastasia said: "It’s given me an insight into what Alan does as an MP for his constituents and it’s given me advice for what I can do for the youth in the constituency. ‘It’s nice to be able to sit down and have a proper discussion about what we both stand for and how we can work together in the future."