THE leader of the Conservative Party, Michael Howard, paid a visit to Chester at the invitation of Paul Offer, the party's prospective parliamentary candidate.
During his visit, Mr Howard visited The Hub, a youth centre in Cuppin Street and the Day Centre for the Homeless on Grosvenor Street.
The Hub is a centre where 13 to 19-year-olds work on various projects. They also have access to counselling and courses on subjects such as anger management and self-esteem.
Mr Howard also met Laura Ferran, a Year 10 pupil at Blacon High and a committed and dedicated member of Chester Locality Youth Voice.
Mr Howard said: 'During the visit to Chester I have listened to young people praise the benefit of centres like The Hub and they have told me how the centre not only helps them, but enables them to help other people.'
Asked if he was trying to appeal to younger voters, Mr Howard said: 'We have to represent all people and to do that we have to listen to them. Paul and I are not here to preach, we are here to listen and to learn. Young people are the future so it is very important that people in mine and Paul's positions listen to what they have to say.'
Mr Howard said: 'We are very confident that Paul will be Chester's next MP.
Mr Offer said: 'Recent elections here in Chester have shown that there is a big swing to the Conservatives as more and more people see us as a viable alternative to Labour - who they feel increasingly let down by and disillusioned with.'
He added: 'I believe that the biggest challenges the Conservatives will face when taking government after the next General Election will be social reform. Central to this will be addressing the needs of the young and people in desperate social deprivation, and that is why Michael visited The Hub and the CATH Day Centre.
