Dan’s PM swap

What you would do if you were Prime Minister for a week?

Well to be honest, the first thing I’d do would be to cheer everyone up a bit. Gordon Brown, however capable when it comes to economics, does not appear to be the happiest fellow under the sun. And in my opinion the happiness factor gets heavily underrated sometimes – it’s an essential part of people’s lives, or at least it’s pursuit is, just as much as food, to a certain extent.

Something a bit more political that I would certainly pursue would be quality teaching in state schools, as someone who’s had a certain amount of experience with weak, useless teachers who have about as much control over a class as a mouse maintains over a man. Capable young minds throughout Britain are essential to a bright future, economically, socially, internationally etc. And students are never likely to reach their potential unless fully encouraged by a properly trained and assertive teacher. An incredibly important thing, teaching.

Furthermore, I’d concentrate more government effort and money on establishing a better image for young people in general, and work harder to help and prevent young people being involved in crime, gang warfare and the like. Too many negative points are made about young people these days, and it really steals the thunder away from the kids who try their hardest to achieve something tangible in a darkening world.

And obviously I’d improve his dress sense. But that’s obvious. A nice, sharp suit perhaps.

What the Prime Minister would find if he lived your life for a week?

He’d find himself incredibly frustrated at some of the ignorant teachers who don’t manage to control their class and teach what must be taught. He’d also be introduced to a whole world of things that seem to be completely alien to a lot of adults – different music, new art, controversial conversational topics that seem to escape politicians entirely… The list stretches for eternity.

Not only that, he’d find a new perspective. Things look different from the point of view of a teenager living in East London, and it can be difficult to imagine what things are like for other people until you’ve actually stood in their shoes.

See what he thinks when he’s standing in my shoes. In our shoes.