Adam Foster, sports journalism student at the University of Sunderland, was among a number of young journalists who had the opportunity to speak to Labour leader Keir Starmer when he visited The Northern Echo offices. This is what he thought.

Today, myself and other student journalists were invited down to The Northern Echo newsroom in Darlington to interview Keir Starmer.

I was joined by the other journalists, reporters from The Northern Echo and camera crews in a relaxed atmosphere on a grey, curved couch, with the Labour leader and editor of The Northern Echo sat opposite.

There was a quiet hush in the Darlington newsroom, with everyone stopping their work to hear what the Leader of the Opposition had to say.

Before the interview, I thought Mr Starmer was a wooden, fairly robotic figure. I am also not his biggest fan, due to the fact he has U-turned on almost every policy announced and his inability to appeal to young people.

Because of this, I asked him why young people should vote for Labour at the next election.

The Northern Echo: Adam Foster speaks to Sir Keir Starmer during the Labour leader's visit to DarlingtonAdam Foster speaks to Sir Keir Starmer during the Labour leader's visit to Darlington (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)

Mr Starmer stressed he did not want to generalise what young people believe are most important to them. But he did mention climate change and mental health as areas he thinks are important, after speaking to young people.

He spoke calmly, but assuredly about climate change and renewable energy, as he outlined what it could mean for young people.

The Northern Echo: Sir Keir Starmer aswered questions from young journalists at The Northern Echo office in DarlingtonSir Keir Starmer aswered questions from young journalists at The Northern Echo office in Darlington (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)

“If you’re a young person and want a skilled job linked to climate change, then the energy transition is a very bright future for you.”

The Labour leader also said he had not originally acknowledged how big a problem the mental health crisis is, telling journalists a Labour government would introduce mental health support in every school.

He also addressed the need of rebuilding trust in politics, particularly with young people, saying that he doesn’t want to make promises he can’t keep.

“If I say I’m going to be able to deliver things which I know we’re not going to be able to afford, then after the election I’m going to be facing you (young people).

“I’d rather take the challenge now, and say before the election I’m going to be square with you, we can’t afford to do that.”

After the interview was over, I took time to ask the Labour leader on another passion of his, football.

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The conversation was informal, laid-back and Mr Starmer was actually very personable, chatting to me about how Everton did Arsenal, the team he supports, a favour on Wednesday evening by beating title-rivals Liverpool 2-0.

He did say however, that he hopes Everton do not have the same level of belief on the last day of the season, as the two teams meet.

I think if more people, especially young people, were to see this side of the Labour leader, relaxed, cracking jokes with students and newsroom staff, he would be more electable, and he would be someone young people could trust with running the country.