The European Elections in the South West and Gibraltar are turning into a cabinet of curiosities. We began with the Sargon of Akkad, who, like fellow UKIP supporter Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, eschews his normal name, in the former case for the persona of an ancient Middle Eastern potentate. Akkad was soon joined by Andrew Adonis, a valiant champion of the Remain cause until he was forced to retract this week, shortly before the closing date for nominations. Adonis issued a statement that has all the hallmarks of being written under duress.
Change UK brought their candidates, who mostly seem to be London-based, on a day trip to Bristol to launch their campaign. Their star candidate is Rachel Johnson, who I’m sure is charming and does at least have a connection with the South West, having attended two different schools in our region, but is best known for her somewhat ironic appearance on Celebrity Big Brother.
The dramatis personae were completed by the arrival of Ann Widdecombe for the Brexit Party, an extremely socially conservative retired MP who did a short stint as Minister for Prisons under John Major, and some of whose views breach what most of us would consider basic human rights. Born and partly schooled in Bath, she has been a contestant or host on four different reality TV shows including Strictly Come Dancing and Celebrity Big Brother.
