Iain Dale steps down from LBC radio in bid to run in General Election
The 61-year-old said he hoped listeners would ‘respect’ his decision.
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Broadcaster Iain Dale has said farewell to LBC radio station after 14 years as he announced plans to run in the General Election.
Dale joined LBC in 2010, but broadcast rules mean candidates in the General Election are not allowed to present radio shows.
“You know how much politics means to me,” the 61-year-old said on air.
“If you’ve listened for any length of time, you know I’ve always had two ambitions in life. One was to be a radio presenter and the other was to be an MP.
“Last time I tried, the electorate fought back. But now I am 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.”
Dale said there are “no guarantees” he will be selected as a candidate “let alone elected”, but “I know that I would forever kick myself if I didn’t at least have a go” ahead of the July 4 election.
“Even if you don’t share my politics, I hope, at least, that is something you can respect,” he told listeners.
During his time at LBC, Dale presented four general election night shows, two US presidential election shows and the Scottish and Brexit referendum night shows, as well as the station’s evening programme.
LBC said it will announce its evening programming plans for the election period in due course.
Tom Cheal, LBC’s senior managing editor, said: “Iain Dale is a world-class broadcaster, and has been hugely important in helping to make LBC the political powerhouse it is today.
“I’m sure this isn’t the last we’ve heard of Iain on LBC. We understand his decision and thank him for his massive contribution to the station.”
Subscribe to Independent Premium to bookmark this article
Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Premium subscription today.