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
As your White House correspondent, I ask the tough questions and seek the answers that matter.
Your support enables me to be in the room, pressing for transparency and accountability. Without your contributions, we wouldn't have the resources to challenge those in power.
Your donation makes it possible for us to keep doing this important work, keeping you informed every step of the way to the November election
Andrew Feinberg
White House Correspondent
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.