It’s the end of an era for over 70 Tory MPs who will quit their seats at the next election – but one media veteran is making a rather interesting move in the opposite direction. Iain Dale, who has worked at LBC since 2010 and has presented a number of shows including Cross Question and All Talk, told listeners on Tuesday night that the show would be his last as he wants to stand for the Tory candidacy in Tunbridge Wells. After an extremely successful broadcast career, it’s quite the decision…
The seat is currently held by Greg Clark MP, who announced last week that he will be joining the Tory exodus and standing down at the election. The constituency has been Conservative-held since 2010 and the long-standing LBC presenter hopes that he could be its next Member of Parliament — after a previously unsuccessful attempt to contest the seat of North Norfolk in 2005. Dale admitted that his two ambitions in life were to be a presenter and an MP as he bid his loyalists an emotional farewell on last night’s show. Giving a heartfelt thanks to his colleagues and listeners, he went on:
Now, I’m putting my hat in the ring again to be a candidate at the general election. Whatever the result I feel I can play a role in restoring trust and honesty in politics. There are no guarantees that I’ll even be selected, let alone elected, but I know that I would forever kick myself if I didn’t at least have a go. Even if you don’t share my politics I hope at least that’s something you can respect.
Now under broadcast rules I could technically carry on presenting this show until Friday but I’m going to step aside now, it just feels the right thing to do. And I want to think everyone at LBC and Global for their support, friendship and love, and for their understanding — especially to all my producers over the years… Most of all, whoever you are, wherever you are in the world, however often you listen I want to thank you from the bottom of my heart for your loyalty, your calls, your messages and friendship over the last 15 years. This is the best job I’ve ever had.
Mind you, Dale’s campaign isn’t exactly off to the best start. It has been pointed out that, speaking on his podcast in 2022, he said of his new patch:
‘I’ve lived in Tunbridge Wells since 1997, slightly against my will, in that my partner comes from Tunbridge Wells… I’ve never liked the place, still don’t and would happily live somewhere else.’
One for the campaign leaflets, no doubt…
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