Ann Widdecombe claims ‘Tories have given up’ on General Election after Rochdale candidate took holiday while campaigning
Ann Widdecombe claims Tories ‘not serious’ about General Election
GB News/PA
Ann Widdecombe has claimed the Tory party is “not serious about the next General Election” after the party’s Rochdale candidate went on holiday during the campaign for the by-election.
Paul Ellison booked himself some time away while other candidates were hard at work canvassing in Rochdale.
Tonight’s by-election has been mired in controversy owing to two candidates having support withdrawn by their parties for their views on the conflict in Gaza.
Speaking to GB News’ Patrick Christys, the former MEP turned Reform UK politician blasted Rishi Sunak’s party as being “not serious” about the upcoming General Election.
WATCH HERE: Ann Widdecombe on Rochdale by-election
Christys asked: “What can we learn about how the General Election is shaping up from these by-elections so far?”
Widdecombe explained: “Well, the mere fact that the candidate went on holiday says it all.
“It says the Conservatives have given up. They're not serious about the next General Election.
“I have to say, regrettably for 55 years it was my party, but I have to say that I think they thoroughly deserve it.
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Widdecombe told Patrick Christys that the Tories had 'given up'
GB News
“I mean, they have made an unholy mess with a huge majority.
“They've made a consistent mess. I mean, one or two things going wrong, everybody expects that.
“But no matter who the Prime Minister has been, they've made a complete mess of it. And today we hear we've got record lawful immigration.”
Paul Ellison took a brief holiday before returning for the results of the by-election
GB News
Previously in the interview, Widdecombe was asked whether she had ever seen a by-election “quite as nutty as this”?
She told Christys: “No. I mean, it's been vastly entertaining but of course, it is a very serious matter.
“And if somebody has got to represent that seat until the General Election, and it has been, I mean, it's been an absolute comedy and a circus.
“And I'm sure we've all enjoyed it but actually, that doesn't really do justice to the seriousness of the issues.”
The by-election in Rochdale was sparked after veteran Labour MP Sir Tony Lloyd died on January 17
PA
Previously in the interview, Widdecombe was asked whether she had ever seen a by-election “quite as nutty as this”?
PA
The by-election in Rochdale was sparked after veteran Labour MP Sir Tony Lloyd died on January 17 just days after announcing he had an incurable form of leukaemia.
In 2019, Lloyd snatched victory with a healthy majority of just under 10,000 votes and a share of more than 51 per cent.
Eleven candidates were on the ballot Azhar Ali (Labour), Mark Coleman (Independent), Simon Danczuk (Reform UK), Iain Donaldson (Lib Dems), Paul Ellison (Conservative), George Galloway (Workers Party), Michael Howarth (Independent), William Howarth (Independent), Guy Otten (Green Party), Ravin Rodent Subortna (Monster Raving Loony Party), David Tully (Independent).