Lara Newman
1. When you were at Brighton & Hove High School, and what is your fondest memory of school?
I attended Brighton and Hove High School from 2000-2005. My parents, like many do, made huge sacrifices to send me, and I am forever grateful as the opportunities it gave me changed my life. Unforgettable highlights included the many excellent school trips – including Boughrood, Greece and Disneyland Paris (which all had their fair share of drama). The school song is also ingrained in my memory, and there was certainly a rendition of it sung at my 30th birthday with some fellow alumni
2. Who was your favourite teacher and why?
This is so difficult. There were so many excellent teachers, I was very lucky. But I will always remember Mrs O’Callaghan and her never ending sticker collection.
3. What were the benefits of being in an all-girls school?
I made friends for life – and am still in touch with many on a daily basis (in fact I’m godmother to one of their children!) We went through all the highs and lows together of our teenage years and it’s an unbreakable bond.
4. What did you want to be when you ‘grew-up’?
I had no idea, and to be honest still don’t. But I always picked subjects I loved or found interesting – which I think is key. It helps to love your job, so even if you don’t know what you want to do, pursuing your interests will eventually lead you on the right path.
5. What do you do now, and what are the most rewarding and challenging parts of your job?
I currently work as Chief of Staff and Adviser to Laura Trott MP, the Shadow Education Secretary, and before the election was a Special Adviser in the HM Treasury.
Working in politics means you never know what could be thrown at you. You are at the mercy of global and national events, which are often entirely out of your control. It can mean some late nights and early mornings. But, you can also make a huge difference – and always have funny stories to share at dinner parties!
6. What are you most proud of so far?
Working in Government was an honour, and I would have to pinch myself as I walked up and down Downing Street with my pass.
Before joining the Treasury team, we also passed a law that made it illegal for under 18s to receive Botox or cosmetic fillers. During the process we had heard so many heart breaking stories, so it was incredible to know we were hopefully saving lives (and faces)!
7. What was the best piece of advice you were given whilst at Brighton?
To be unapologetically myself, and to dream big.
8. What advice would you give to your 18 year old self?
Work hard, have fun and say yes. You never know what life is going to throw at you, but just make the most of every opportunity, as you never know where it might lead.
9. What book, film or piece of music would you recommend to your younger self and to your fellow alumnae?
If you want to REALLY understand politics, and what it’s like behind the scenes, the Tim Shipman series is a must read.
And if you are ever lacking in confidence or girl power- any Spice Girls song or Helen Reddy ‘I am Woman’ will get you right back on course.
10. How would you like to be remembered?
For being hard working, fiercely loyal and usually one of the last standing at the end of the night.
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