News / Politics
Dimbleby endorses Debbonaire in Bristol Central
Massive Attack and Hugh Grant have already endorsed Carla Denyer in Bristol Central.
Now, journalist and author Jonathan Dimbleby, who lives in Hotwells, has broken his decades-long commitment to impartiality, choosing to endorse Labour candidate Thangam Debbonaire at the upcoming general election.
Feeling disillusioned in the wake of “substantial political failures by the Conservatives”, Dimbleby has decided to back Debbonaire on July 4.
Thangam Debbonaire Labour supporters Gloucester Road Bristol – photo: Thangam Debbonaire
Dimbleby, the newly announced chair of the Bristol Beacon board of trustees, said he voted for the Greens in the local elections in May, and believes them to be best suited to run Bristol City Council.
However, in the general election, the 79-year-old has expressed doubts over Green Party co-leader Denyer’s ability to affect change in Westminster.
“I don’t believe that the Greens will be able to hold influence in the same way that Labour can,” Dimbleby told Bristol24/7.
“Many in Labour are pressing for (climate-conscious) policies and have every incentive to follow through.
“The Greens have also been dishonest about Labour’s policies on the NHS, claiming they will privatise the NHS when this is fundamentally untrue.”
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Read more: Denyer: ‘Labour is fiddling while our NHS burns’
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If Debbonaire is successful in her bid to win the newly created constituency of Bristol Central – having held the former seat of Bristol West since 2015 – she would likely join Keir Starmer’s cabinet as secretary of state for sport, culture and media.
The renowned broadcaster has confidence in Debbonaire’s ability to fight for the survival of the arts.
While Bristol Beacon has to remain impartial as a charity, Dimbleby says that his role as chair of trustees, has allowed him “greater insight” into Labour’s policies.
Dimbleby believes Debbonaire has the best understanding of how to provide the resources needed to support the arts sector.
On July 1, the Lantern Hall at Bristol Beacon will be the venue for Bristol24/7’s Bristol Central hustings. It is the only hustings of the campaign that Debbonaire will take part in and will be livestreamed for those who were unable to get a free ticket.
Main photo: Martin Booth
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