Former Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn and West Derby MP Ian Byrne visited a school in Norris Green to highlight awareness of knife crime.
James Riley, one of the city's leading anti-knife and gang campaigners, helped organise the visit to St Teresa of Lisieux Catholic Primary School last week.
Mr Corbyn, who led Labour until 2020, made numerous visits to the city during his time as leader.
James said today that he was really impressed with the Islington North MP for attending the event.
He said: "I was really, really impressed with him. He was very natural and genuinely committed to the anti-knife crime message which we were trying to convey."
James, originally from Walton, told the ECHO that Mr Corbyn said something to him that really resonated.
He said: "Yes, Jeremy looked right at me and said 'James never leave anyone behind'. That really resonated with me."
James, who grew up in Walton, now runs the Get Away ‘N’ Get Safe’ scheme, which tries to prevent young people from being lured into gangs and exploited by older criminals.
He said: "Yes the knife crime message is crucial but there are broader themes here such as association.
"If young people start associating with gang members they can slowly become part of a culture where carrying and using a knife is the norm.
"So that is why events like the one at St Teresa's are so important, because they might help dissuade young people who could be moving towards those kind of associations in the future.
"We know these types of associations happen over time, and then it is too late to help."
James told the ECHO that Merseyside's drugs' economy underpinned the city's knife and gun crime issues.
He said: "Most of it leads back towards drugs which is depressing.
"But I just want to thank Jeremy and Ian for both finding the time to attend the recent visit to St Teresa's."
For more information about the work that James does click here.
