SIXTH-FORMERS studying Government for A-level have quizzed a prospective parliamentary candidate about his motivation to become a politician.

Kevin Hollinrake, who was selected in July to contest the Thirsk and Malton seat for the Conservatives at the next general election, visited Lady Lumley's School, in Pickering.

Mr Hollinrake, a married father-of-four who was raised in the Easingwold area, is widely predicted to succeed fellow Tory Anne McIntosh as the constituency MP.

Miss McIntosh, who won the seat with an 11,821 majority at the last election, was deselected by her constituency party earlier this year following a long-running row with its leaders.

Mr Hollinrake, the managing director of North Yorkshire-based Hunters, the UK’s fastest-growing independent estate agency network, also spoke to the students about his business background and answered questions on a range of topical issues.

He said: “I believe we are entering a new political era and that the views and contributions of young people will become increasingly important.

“The students at Lady Lumley¹s were clearly well informed and take a keen interest in current affairs and how they may shape the future. I was delighted to have the opportunity to talk to them and look forward to taking up similar opportunities at this and other schools and colleges.”