Esther Rantzen to stand as MP in town bruised by expenses scandal

[Turborama]

Isn't she like Britain's Oprah..?

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• Broadcaster takes on main parties in Luton South
• Enthusiastic response to new candidate from voters

Haroon Siddique and Mark Tran


For such an eloquent and vociferous advocate of consumer rights, Esther Rantzen wasn't entirely convincing yesterday when asked to outline her manifesto for the voters of Luton South.

The former That's Life presenter and prospective MP gave few details, but perhaps wanted to challenge the wounding criticism of the Labour grandee Roy Hattersley, who said she would most likely have no policies at all.

"My passion is to improve the treatment of vulnerable children," said Rantzen.

"Respect for old people in the media, and in reality, and hospitals ... now, if you don't mind, I'd like to go in the garden."

Continues: http://www.guardian.co.uk/politics/2009/jul/28/esther-rantzen-luton-south-candidate


Esther Rantzen in Luton, announcing her intention to stand for election.

[muriel_volestrangler]

1. Nothing like the scale of Oprah

The programme she fronted, "That's Life", was very popular in the 70s, and somewhat in the 80s. But it's 15 years since it's been on, and she's only been an occasional broadcaster since then. She set up ChildLine, a confidential phone service for children who are being physically or sexually abused, or have other problems like feeling suicidal, and don't have anyone to turn to, and that's probably the best reason for why she might make a good MP.

I think a better comparison might be Phil Donahue, though less overtly political than him, and more oriented on consumer rights.

[LeftishBrit]

3. Agreed.

[SeekerBlue]

2. I met her once

I used to be an events organizer at the now-defunct Ottakar's booksellers. She came to a "ladies' night" event we put on. She was very nice.

Haha.

[Mr Creosote]

4. Pots and Kettles

For years Enid was employed at the BBC by Desmond Wilcox. If I were her I wouldn't go near the subject of MPs employing their families. Although I hope she does.

[muriel_volestrangler]

5. She was working there before they started their affair

It's not that he got her a job. Wikipedia says her autobiography says he was her department head at the time, so it wasn't a question of nepotism, but that he started sleeping with a subordinate.