Ann Widdecombe: Former Tory MP to stand for Brexit Party
 

Former Conservative MP Ann Widdecombe has announced she is set to return to politics - for the Brexit Party.

Ms Widdecombe, 71, said she would still vote Conservative in the upcoming local elections but would stand as a candidate for Nigel Farage's new party in the European elections.

She said she wanted to "fire a very loud warning shot across the bows" of the established parties.

The former shadow home secretary has been retired since 2010.

Writing in the Daily Express, Ms Widdecombe said the "last thing" she wanted was "a full-on return to the political fray" but she felt it necessary to re-affirm "the supremacy of the will of the people".

She added: "What the Remain campaign failed to achieve by fear must not be achieved by fatigue."

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-48034732


Standing for the brexit party, but voting for the conservatives ... that shows conviction :hee:

Nice to see some fresh faces with new ideas entering politics.

one to bring in the young tibbers

Loving it, Ann is a strong, outspoken woman and just what the party needs

I've got to be honest... I thought she was older than 71.

Well that news alone would send my vote elsewhere.
I find what she says interesting admittedly but I just rarely ever agree with her.

If she feels strongly enough to return to active politics however, good luck to her definitely.

The chance of me voting Brexit Party (very unlikely) has now been decreased to never in a million years.

:joker::joker::joker:

I don't particularly agree with people like this coming back into politics, but at least she has the get up and go and courage of her convictions to do that at 71, where are all these young fresh faces at I wonder?

Tbf I don't blame ordinary people wanting to get into politics right now, it's toxic af on both sides.

You get criticised for your views from all sides...

I saw on twitter the other day a young (22 year old) Tory council candidate had a brick through his HOUSE window. This loutish behaviour has to stop if people want young/new people in politics

Desperately scrabbling around trying to be heard and taken seriously whilst being steam-rolled by 71 year olds with outdated views and values who benefit heavily from the nepotism of having old cronies already in politics and only have to say "hehe I fancy being in politics again" to be thrust immediately to the front lines.

Or something.

never in history is it easier to be heard with the advent of the internet and social media

more like they find it harder to be unpopular

:idc:

sad she can't just enjoy rest of her life in sweet relaxed retirement

at her age she shouldn't have to work in politics anymore, way too stressful (especially this brexit mess)

I find this to be mostly false; dissenting voices with things to say that are worth hearing are lost in the rabble of millions, and those that do shine through are quickly shouted down by those "who already have status" and believe that their own voice carries more importance and gravitas... and by those who already trail around after those individuals crowing the same borrowed opinions ad infinitum.

How old is too old? Jeremy Corbyn is 69. I mean, is it only too old when you're opposed to their politics? Nelson Mandela was 77 when he first became president. Is that too old?

I have to smile at all the people who consider themselves to be young people, not understanding what experience is and the fact you can't buy it on Amazon.

I wonder whether people's views will change when they get a few more years under their belts?

There's a lot of rampant ageism on this thread. If the same kind of insults were aimed at young people there'd be uproar!

yes and that is why anyone and his dog can be a youtube sensation or a "social influencer"

if that lollipop headed dork Joe Sug did not exist you may have a point

There has never been a better time to get a foothold in politics, with two new parties

Good points again Livia.

Age isn't a barrier nor should it he.
Winston Churchill was near 80 when ending his last term as PM.

I've always believed I can learn from all ages.

I may disagree with Ann Widdecombe but not because of her age.
I agree with for instance Michael Heseltine.
He was my Dad's favourite in politics.

I still agree mostly with Heseltine.

I'm just using 2 elder Statespersons as examples of one I agree with, one I don't.
Their age not relevant to be at all.

I think if you are fit, eager and dedicated in wanting to he in politics or achieve something.
That's great.
Nothing to do with age in my view at all.

I agree with that, but Ann Widdecombe will be subject to the same criticism if not worse!

A trashy homophobe? What a good way to send a message that your party isn't going to fall victim to the wanton bigotry that UKIP attracts....

A trash person for a trash party.

Her age isn't the issue, the fact that she is a **** human being that voted against gay rights time and time again is the problem.

Back on topic, Ann is an intelligent lady, and her politics have always been with 100% conviction. That said, some to most of her opinions have been completely batty, and that was true even when she was a lot younger. Really, she has a lot in common with Corbyn in that regard.

Bots... get out of here with your measured common sense. It has no place....

I mean if I'm going to be totally honest, I'd have to say that retiring from full-time politics at 65 is probably sensible. That's not to say that older people can't be politically active and have strong political opinions but modern politics easily CAN become stuck in a rut when we have the same high profile politicians active for 30+ years and yes, Mr Corbyn is a prime example of that. A huge chunk of his politics should have been left back in the 70's / 80's where it belongs.

I don't think it's ageism. In fact, there are plenty of examples of older politically active people whose politics has moved with the times. Corbyn isn't one of them for the mostpart; and the fact that Ms Widdecombe has only now resurfaced to hammer on about Brexit doesn't give me much hope that she has anything new or fresh to add to the debate, either.

You're barely 5 minutes older than me Livia, no need to be patronising :nono:

I don't think anyone would argue Ann doesn't believe what she says. She's consistent there.

Btw, I read something not long ago that apparently Corbyn is thinking of retiring. I wonder how far the party is infiltrated with his people and how fast it could recover...?

Reactionary ideas require reactionary politicians.

IS that the new strapline for the EU?

:think:

The EU is reactionary but isolationism is modern and forward looking? You should put yourself on the the list of comedians better than Mr. Lee.

But they are getting backing from the Public
that want to leave the EU
well above Conservatives and Nasty UKIP

By supporting that party, people who are getting their knickers in a twist over it all will only ensure that they won't get what they want since this party will dillute the right wing vote more than it already was.

But its the EU Elections on May 23rd
only, so far

Not the 2nd of May half UK local Elections

Many Conservatives are not doing the EU Elections

The brexit party is a protest party, because it has no meaning after brexit .... simple

What are you talking about? After Brexit, we're going to Brexit again! Brexit is too good to only do it once. Double Brexit, Triple Brexit... the sky's the limit to be honest.

"The Brexit Party" is such a stupid name though :joker:.
https://media.giphy.com/media/MEoCq64NvJFZK/giphy.gif

"The Brexit Party" is such a stupid name though :joker:.
https://media.giphy.com/media/MEoCq64NvJFZK/giphy.gif

Oh ffs TS, that gif almost made me puke :skull:

since we left our senses we could also leave the UN, WTO, NATO, etc etc
the sky's the limit indeed