Iain Dale, the radio presenter for LBC, has resigned from his position in order to participate in the forthcoming general election.
The controversial anchor, who has been a consistent presence on the channel since 2010, will depart in order to pursue his lifelong aspiration of becoming an MP.
Mr. Dale, who is 61 years old, is in the process of contending to become the Conservative candidate for Tunbridge Wells, one of the nearly 200 seats in which the Conservatives are currently in the process of selecting election candidates.
While speaking live on air on Tuesday evening, he informed his audience, “You are aware of the significance of politics to me.”
If you have been a listener for any amount of time, you are aware that I have consistently harbored two aspirations in life.
One was to serve as a radio host, while the other was to become a Member of Parliament.
This is the broadcaster’s second attempt at election; in 2005, they were unsuccessful in securing a seat in Norfolk North.
“The electorate responded in a significant manner the last time I attempted to do so.”
However, I am now re-entering the race to be a candidate in the General Election,” stated Mr. Dale.
“I am confident that I can contribute to the restoration of trust and honesty in politics, regardless of the outcome.”
I am aware that there are no guarantees that I will be selected, let alone elected; however, I would be eternally ashamed if I did not at least attempt to participate.
“I trust that you will at least acknowledge that, even if you do not subscribe to my political beliefs.”
Dale served as the host of the station’s evening program, as well as four general election night programs, two US presidential election shows, and the Scottish and Brexit referendum night shows, during his tenure at LBC.
He later stated on his podcast that it would be a “massive blow” if he were selected but did not win.
“I am essentially relinquishing the most rewarding position I have ever held, and I am forgoing a substantial income in the event that I am chosen.”
I am believed to have gone insane by a significant number of individuals,” he stated.
“The reason I am doing it is because it is an itch that I must scratch, even at the advanced age of 61.”
“I simply believed that, regardless of the outcome of this election, and we are all aware of the polls’ findings, I could contribute to the Conservative Party’s recovery from some of its most challenging and traumatic experiences, as well as its overall reconstruction.”
He further stated, “I have always been a conservative and firmly believe in conservative values, regardless of how they are defined today.”
Mr. Dale is resigning immediately, despite the fact that he is permitted to continue presenting radio shows until Friday, due to the broadcast restrictions that prohibit candidates in the General Election from doing so.
Tom Cheal, LBC’s Senior Managing Editor, stated, “Iain Dale is a world-class broadcaster who has played a significant role in the development of LBC into the political powerhouse it is today.”
“I am confident that this will not be the final time we hear from Iain on LBC.” We acknowledge his decision and extend our gratitude for his substantial contributions to the station.