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SHADOW Chancellor Michael Portillo advised sixth-formers at Haverhill against a career in politics, warning them and the pay was not good and they would face a lot of flack.
Mr Portillo visited Samuel Ward Upper School, in Haverhill, at the invitation of its MP Richard Spring and gave a question and answer session for sixth-formers.
He later praised them as bright and articulate, justifying the school's recently granted technology college status.
"Haverhill is a town with a great future, quite close to the facilities of Cambridge and its economic prospects, with a resource of young people to live and prosper in that new economy," Mr Portillo said.
When asked by one sixth-former why he went into politics, Mr Portillo said he had been very interested in it, but was not sure if it was a very good career prospect for a young person.
"You do get an awful lot of flack and it is rather wearing that people always suspect the worst possible motives when most people went into it for the best of motives.
"There is a lot of criticism, not a lot of money and you don't see much of your family." Mr Portillo said.
Mr Portillo faced topical questions about Denmark's decision not to adopt the Euro and said it did not change Conservative policy that Britain should keep the pound. He was also asked about how, if they came to power, the Conservatives would cut taxes, help older people, schools and sport.
Howard Lay, Headteacher at Samuel Ward, said he was very pleased to welcome Mr Portillo and felt it was an important step to help put the town on the map.
"It's future potential is enormous and I am pleased he has recognised that and the role of the school and what it is doing.
"It could be an important symbol of how Haverhill is seen nationally, when for so long it has been seen in a less than fair way," Mr Lay said.