MP praises Robin Cook intern for work in Westminster and West Lothian

A West Lothian teenager has completed a unique internship with Livingston MP Gregor Poynton, getting a behind-the-scenes look at Parliament, meeting a UK Government Minister and even getting the chance to meet one of Westminster's most famous residents, Larry the Cat.

Niamh Cunneen, a senior pupil at St Margaret's Academy, was selected as the 2026 Robin Cook Intern following a competitive recruitment process which saw dozens of applications from S5 and S6 pupils across West Lothian.

The paid internship, which is run by Gregor Poynton MP and named in memory of former Livingston MP and Foreign Secretary Robin Cook, is designed to give young people the opportunity to experience politics and public service first-hand.

During the Westminster element of the placement, Niamh visited Downing Street, where she knocked on the famous door of Number 10 before being given a tour and meeting Larry the Cat, with Niamh and Gregor also getting a photograph together on the doorstep.

She also met UK Government Minister Kirsty McNeil in her previous role at the Scotland Office, providing an opportunity to learn more about the work of Government Ministers and the Scotland Office.

One of the highlights of the Westminster visit was attending Prime Minister's Questions from the public gallery of the House of Commons, giving Niamh the opportunity to see parliamentary debate and scrutiny taking place first-hand.

The Westminster programme also included a behind-the-scenes tour of Parliament and an opportunity to meet members of Parliament's Restoration and Renewal team, learning more about the extensive programme of work required to refurbish and preserve the Palace of Westminster for future generations.

Niamh also spent time working alongside Gregor and his team at their constituency office in Craigshill.

During her time in Livingston, she gained an insight into the wide range of work undertaken by an MP and their staff, including constituent casework, communications and social media.

Niamh joined Gregor and members of his team on visits to local businesses, organisations and community groups across the constituency, as well as attending Gregor's regular street surgeries and engaging directly with constituents about the issues affecting them.

Gregor Poynton MP said:

"Having Niamh join us for this year's Robin Cook Internship has been a real pleasure.

"She threw herself into every part of the experience, whether that was getting a look behind the scenes at Westminster, sitting in on PMQs, learning about the Restoration and Renewal programme, meeting a Government Minister or getting stuck into the day-to-day work of our constituency office here in Livingston.

"One of the most important things about this internship is giving young people the opportunity to see that politics and public service are not abstract concepts. They are about people, communities and the issues that affect all of us every day.

"Niamh has been a fantastic intern and I hope the experience has given her a better understanding of how politics works and encouraged her to continue pursuing her interest in public service.

Niamh Cunneen said:

"I couldn’t be more grateful for the opportunity I’ve had this summer to work with Gregor and his team. I gained so much from the experience, both personally and professionally, and really enjoyed getting an insight into Gregor’s role as an MP. I would strongly recommend that any S5’s and S6’s with an interest in politics apply for this next year!”