The power of celebrity candidates

Should celebrities stand to become MPs? I have just done a phone-in on Richard Bacon’s Five Live programme where I was in favour of it. My point was that voting in someone like Esther Rantzen sends an important democratic message: that the voters think the Westminster menu is uninspiring. This is an entirely legitimate means of democratic protest. But, Bacon asked, don’t you think they have that message? Well yes, but they only really take action if there is an electoral price to pay. Independent candidates are thorns in a traditional politician’s side. And often they prompt action – think about the effect of the Referendum Party.

It’s not impossible that the celebs come good. Who would have thought an actor like Reagan would have been such a transformative politician? How many laughed when Arnie stood for California? Celebrities are human too, and voters are often smart enough to see which of them may have a leader inside them.