Reading through the Daily Mail today, I was rather perturbed to read the Ephraim Hardcastle column and this entry:

“Overtly gay Tory blogger Iain Dale has reached the final stage of parliamentary selection for Bracknell, telling PinkNews: ‘I hope any PinkNews readers who live in Bracknell will come to the open primary on October 17 to select their new candidate.  You don’t even have to be a Conservative to attend.’  Isn’t it charming how homosexuals rally like-minded chaps to their cause?”

Any way which you cut this, it is a deeply offensive slur on Iain Dale and is homophobic.  Why do some journalists feel compelled to have to raise Iain’s sexuality when they discuss him.  It gets tiresome and I for one am sick of pathetic homophobic jibes.

The language is poor.  What makes Iain ‘overtly gay’.  What does that mean?  Vile.  The last phrase is the poorest and for any journalist to write, ‘isn’t it charming how homosexuals rally like-minded chaps to their cause?’ , is plunging journalism to new depths.

Iain gives his views here.  The strength of feeling shows with over 185 comments to his blog.  Iain has written to the Press Complaints Commission.

Let’s hope the Daily Mail apologises to Iain and never again repeats this homophobic language.  Poor show.  It is offensive to all in society to read such base journalism.

I have a lot of time for Iain.  It is obvious he is highly respected in the Westminster village, from all sides of the House.  His passion for politics is infectious.  I visit his blog daily, on a frequent basis and am impressed by his perception and how he makes politics interesting for all.

I sincerely wish him all the best in Bracknell.  I don’t know the other candidates, have only heard good things about the quality of the shortlist, but one things for certain, as I have said before, the House of Commons needs thinkers like Iain Dale.

Boris marches at London Gay Pride

This years Conservative Party Conference in October, will for the first time, include a ‘gay pride’ social event, hosted by Iain Dale called ‘Conservative Pride’  This is absolutely terrific news.

I am so pleased that this party has been set up as it really demonstrates the Conservative Party becoming more inclusive.  Gay activists/candidates/supporters and Gay voters should have a natural home within the Conservative Party.  As a Party that cherishes individual liberty, old guard Tories perceptions are being replaced by younger Conservatives who embrace an open society where people are left to do what they choose.   Some of the old guard’s views have been a source of an embarrassment for years for the majority in the Party.  Good for David Cameron now championing gay rights.  There is lots to do to end prejudices in society but the needle is heading in the right direction and Conservatives should lead the way.

For those attending the Conference I suggest that you get a ticket as this sounds like THE Party to be at on Tuesday!

‘Conservative Pride’ will take place at Spirit Bar (Canal Street) situated in the heart of the world famous Manchester Gay Village.  The event is on Tuesday 6 October from 21.30 to 03.30.

Conservatives’ web site states:  ‘This high profile event is expected to draw over 700 guests who’ll party the night away with surprise special guests and a senior Shadow Cabinet member speaking at the event’.

The Night:

• Angie Brown performing live
• Co-hosted by Iain Dale and Margot James
• Cocktails on arrival
• Funky house floor
• Pop floor
• Celebrity hosts and auction sponsored by Harvey Nichols and others

Ticket Sales: £15.00 admission.

To book your tickets to this exciting new event please complete the Conference Pride Ticket Form.

Tory Gay Pride Logo

The Conservative Conference this year promises to be a great one.  Hope to see you all there.