DAVID LAMMY

Aims

To raise awareness:

• that having ambition creates self-confidence and opportunity
• that there is great satisfaction in helping people less fortunate
• that there is an element of performance and celebrity to the job
• that politics is very competitive but can be financially rewarding

Curriculum relevance

This programme can be used and discussed in conjunction with courses in sociology, psychology, urban development, mental health, law and ethics, crime, drug and social issues (racism and discrimination).

• England & Wales
• Northern Ireland
• Scotland

Programme outline

00-01.35
Introduction to David Lammy: Allure of politics - respect, power, money. He grew up in inner-city Tottenham. After becoming an MP, his first purchase was a big fridge which he filled with food.

01.36-03.03
David attends Tottenham Broadwater Farm Reggae Festival as the local MP. Politics are all around him. He represents people who are discriminated against and attempts to make a big difference in their lives.

03.04-05.59
David brings the issues of Tottenham to Whitehall. As a government minister he handles a 2 billion pound legal aid budget. When he is not out campaigning for his local constituency, he works with celebrities like Alicia Keyes and Ms Dynamite. David earns £84,000 a year and has a chauffeur. He meets up with childhood friend Patrick, who reveals David has always been competitive in everything.

06.00-06.44
History 1: David's family is from British Guyana. His father walked out when David was young boy, and his mother was a very strong woman who kept him on the straight and narrow. For David, a massive driving force in his success was not wanting to end up like many friends; in jail, mentally ill, unemployed.

06.45-08.29
David invites young people from Tottenham to the House of Commons. David relates how he used his gift of the gab to rise above poor conditions. His ability is he can convey and articulate thoughts clearly to people. He expresses how education gave him the confidence.

08.30-09.52
Every Friday, David sits in his surgery in Tottenham. People bring problems for him to solve; from housing, to crime, to drugs, especially the quality of schools in the area. David can relate but is frustrated at the progress.

09.53-13.21
History 1: David's mother is also concerned about schools in Tottenham. She applied to choir schools outside London for David. Story from voice trial to admittance to King's School, mixed emotions and first solo performance during Christmas concert, which gave him the confidence to later stand up in House of Commons.

13.22-14.43
In politics there are often heated arguments, conflict and obstacles. David believes in what he's doing and sticks by his opinions. He gets things done as MP for Tottenham. It's all pie in the sky unless he uses his skills to make progress.

14.44-18.53
History 2: At school David was predicted 2 GCSEs but got 9. Possibilities grew. He got a law degree in London. He was intimidated to start with, as there weren't many black lawyers around - a very 'establishment' profession. He had to work hard to fight racism, but it built his confidence. David became the first black Britain to be accepted to Harvard Law School in America, where he realised his skills would serve a better purpose in politics. David was called-up during Tottenham bi-elections by the Labour Party to run as candidate for MP. He won and became the youngest member of parliament at 27. Very addictive feeling.

18.54-21.14
David gives a speech in parliament among his contemporaries including Tony Blair. Speaking in parliament is a humbling, scary prospect. You have the weight of history on you but you must pull the courage out of you to do it. David can hold his own now.

21.15-End
At 29 years old, David is called up by the Prime Minister and offered a ministerial position. He accepted and handles a 2 billion pound budget. He now helps run the country, and learning how to handle pressure better. You Cannot take the job for granted because an MP is an elected position. It is not a secure job, you work the hardest you can and hope the voters re-elect you. Though surrounded by power and privilege David tries to keep it real.