Fifteen youth leaders attended a master class with the architect of the coalition and member of the Government Quad -- The Rt Hon Danny Alexander MP to learn about political negotiating, coalition building and implementation. Notes: The Rt Hon Danny Alexander MP Danny Alexander was appointed Chief Secretary to the Treasury in May 2010. He is the Liberal Democrat MP for Inverness, Nairn, Badenoch and Strathspey. Education Danny was educated at Lochaber High School, Fort William in the Scottish Highlands before studying philosophy, politics and economics at Oxford. Political career After university Danny worked as a press officer for the Scottish Liberal Democrats before spending four years at the European Movement and then four years as Director of Communications for the Britain in Europe campaign. In 2005 Danny was elected MP for the newly created seat of Inverness, Nairn, and Badenoch & Strathspey. He joined the Shadow Work and Pensions team in 2005 and in July 2007 he was appointed Shadow Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, holding the post until June 2008. He gave this up to concentrate on the roles of Chief of Staff to the party leader, Nick Clegg, and Chair of the Manifesto Group. Danny played a key role in the negotiating team and in drawing up of the coalition document for the new government. Initially appointed as Secretary of State for Scotland, in May 2010 he became Chief Secretary to the Treasury and was appointed to the Privy Council. Career outside politics Danny worked as a press officer for the Scottish Liberal Democrats before spending 4 years at the European Movement, followed by 4 years as Director of Communications for the Britain in Europe campaign. In 2003 he was appointed the Head of Communications for the recently formed Cairngorms National Park Authority. Personal life Danny is married with 2 daughters. His parliamentary responsibilities combined with having a young family do not afford a lot of time for hobbies but when they do he enjoys hill-walking, fishing, travel and sports of all kinds.

• published: 30 Oct 2013
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