White Dee should go through with bid to become an MP says Dimbleby
Her bid to become an MP has been ridiculed by many, but Benefits Street star White Dee has been backed in her bid to enter Parliament by veteran broadcaster Jonathan Dimbleby.
The 69-year-old has told the star of the controversial reality TV show that she should 'go for it'.
White Dee, whose real name is Deirdre Kelly, shot to fame on Channel 4's Benefits Street, which followed a series of people living on social security in James Turner Street, Winson Green.
She has launched a bid to become an MP for Birmingham Ladywood after seeing a newspaper article where her chances of political success were written off. Mr Dimbleby was speaking after BBC Radio 4's Any Questions? which aired from Walsall's Central Hall Methodist Church. He said: "Anyone with the belief and the qualities and energy that she has should go for it – why not?"
Meanwhile, the stars of the reality show will tonight have the chance to hit back at their critics in a one-off TV documentary, Benefits Street: The Last Word, which will be followed by a live debate.
As well as his comments about White Dee, Mr Dimbleby also spoke out on MPs, saying if their private life affects their job, they should quit. It comes after Cannock Chase MP Aidan Burley announced he is to step down next year following criticism over his participation in a Nazi-themed stag party.
Mr Dimbleby said: "I do not think MPs' private lives should be fair ground to exploit for our entertainment but I think that if their private life affects their job, then they should be done."
The presenter chaired the BBC4 radio show, broadcast on Friday night. The panel was made up of farming minister George Eustince, Labour MP for Leicester East Keith Vaz, Lisa Duffy, party director of UKIP, and singer Pauline Black.