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Well done and congratulations to Westminster City School alumni, Dan Bilenga, who recently had the amazing opportunity to join Keir Starmer in his campaign with Deborah Meaden to discuss Labour’s plan for small businesses. Additionally, in the last few days Dan took to the stage to deliver a speech which focused on ‘inspiring young people to vote at the Labour Party Rally that took place in Westminster'. Dan then had the honour of ‘introducing Sir Keir Starmer’  (now Prime Minister) to address the audience.

Westminster City School spent some time interviewing Dan who reflected on his time at Palace Street. He said:

“Studying at Westminster City School was an experience I would not change for anything. When I first came to the school I was told that I would ‘come in as a boy and leave as a man’, and that I truly did and could not thank my peers and teachers enough.

“I realised that I had a passion for Politics, whilst studying A-Level Politics. Mr De Silva was an incredible Politics Teacher who never failed to deliver a passionate Politics lesson whilst also ensuring we were acquiring the techniques needed to achieve the best grades possible. Without Mr De Silva’s teaching I do not believe I would have pushed myself to go as far in Politics as I currently have, and I cannot thank him enough for that. I was lucky enough to meet Wes Streeting on two occasions; the first time was at a talk he did for A-Level students at Westminster City School and the second time was at his book launch in June 2023 which was also held at Westminster City School. Such encounter allowed me to spend a day with Lord Ian Austin in Parliament, as well as being offered a one-day work experience at Sky.”

Dan went on to utter words of wisdom for students who are currently studying Politics, saying:

“I would encourage such students to stay well-tuned on current political affairs and linking them to topics on the course. Whether that be watching the news on TV, reading the newspaper or listening to a podcast. This can make finding examples for essays much easier.”

Speaking on what is ahead regarding his career and professional development, Dan shared some wonderful news that he has been offered an amazing opportunity to do a work placement year in Parliament for an MP. “As a member of the Labour Party, I strive to stay involved in party events and enhance my reputation”, Dan concluded.

Dan joined Westminster City School in September 2016, completed his seven-year journey in 2023 and went on to pursue a Politics degree at the University of Leeds.

Photo credit: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dan-bilenga-364a45232/recent-activity/all/