Times article on Esther Rantzen

This morning The Times has got another one of those puff pieces on Luton South independent candidate Esther Rantzen – “Esther Rantzen faces formidable obstacles to win over Luton“. It also includes a 2 minute video of Esther on the campaign trail.

The article is not as annoying as the Telegraph article I wrote about last week. It has a more realistic view of Esther’s chances in the election, is only rude about Luton in an incidental manner, and doesn’t mention funny shaped vegetables. It also sums up the Margaret Moran situation well:

“Margaret Moran, Luton South’s Labour MP, had few peers when it came to snouts in the parliamentary trough. She managed to “flip” her second home three times in four years, lavishing taxpayers’ money on each and claiming £22,500 for treating dry rot in her partner’s house 100 miles from her constituency. Unfortunately, just as Ms Rantzen declared her candidacy last May, Ms Moran announced that she would not stand again and has not been seen in Luton or Westminster since.”

However, while the journalist does mention the Labour and Conservative candidates, the article again fails to mention the Liberal Democrats at all. Which given the reality of the situation in the seat is ridiculous. Maybe I am expecting too much from The Times. They are after all part of a journalistic establishment that can’t help but see the world through a binary Labour/Tory perspective.

One final thought. Watching the video I am struck by Esther’s genuine enthusiasm for the election campaign and her enjoyment in getting out and about and meeting people. What is not at question, at least, is her commitment.

This content was originally posted on my old Strange Thoughts blog.