[bitontheslide]

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

[Toy Soldier]

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

[LeatherTrumpet]

one to bring in the young tibbers

[chuff me dizzy]

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

[Livia]

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

[joeysteele]

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.

[Underscore]

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

[Twosugars]

Originally Posted by Toy Soldier

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

[Cherie]

Originally Posted by Toy Soldier

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

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?

[Underscore]

Originally Posted by Cherie

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...

[Underscore]

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

[Toy Soldier]

Originally Posted by Cherie

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?

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.

[LeatherTrumpet]

Originally Posted by Toy Soldier

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

[Nicky91]

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)

[Toy Soldier]

Originally Posted by LeatherTrumpet

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

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.

[Livia]

Originally Posted by Toy Soldier

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.

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?

[Livia]

Originally Posted by Nicky91

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)

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!

[LeatherTrumpet]

Originally Posted by Toy Soldier

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.

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

[Cherie]

Originally Posted by Toy Soldier

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.

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

[joeysteele]

Originally Posted by Livia

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?

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.

[Cherie]

Originally Posted by Underscore

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

[Tom4784]

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.

[Tom4784]

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.

[bitontheslide]

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.

[Livia]

Originally Posted by bitontheslide

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....