I am a rare breed. I am young, not disengaged, not disaffected or disenchanted and interested in politics.

I am studying political science at university.

I went along to a Labour Party general committee meeting on July 16. The meeting was open to all party members to discuss our MPs’ expenses.

We had waited eight weeks for this, as the meeting kept being deferred.

On arriving at Broad House, in Edmonton, along with many elderly people, I was surprised to be asked so many questions about party membership and provide evidence. I thought I would have to provide a DNA sample.

I was let in but many people were turned away. As for questioning the MP about his expenditure, it was a non-event and it was rigidly controlled. Where is the change everyone is talking about in relation to a fluid and animated discussion about local people’s lack of involvement in the selection process?

Where is this big change going to come from, when there is very little chance to discuss issues of substance?

Y Challeger, Weir Hall Road, Edmonton