Back in Politics for Election 2024.

In betting terms, the odds of me being elected are probably around 250.000.000/1, if I'm lucky. Fancy a punt? I dare you!

So yes, further to my previous post, I'm venturing back into politics for the new constituency of Sth Gloucester and NE Somerset whenever the expected 2024 General Election takes place.

Not that I stand an nth of an iota of actually finding myself elected as an MP, mind you. I just feel we're reaching a point in British politics where mainstream parties have had their day and people are looking towards smaller parties and independent candidates to represent those who feel disenfranchised and divorced from having any real and meaningful say in how this country is led, and locally, the disconnect between government and the services people expect in terms of basic infrastructure.

Politics seems way too top-heavy with career politicians, and those bright young things who've left university with an 'ology' degree in something, or similar, and those who are parachuted into a constituency without ever having any prior knowledge of the locality because a seat needs to be filled.

On that basis - and she can be forgiven for joining the Labour Party, Angela Rayner gets my respect for rising from a council estate in the Manchester suburb of Stockport, and leaving school at 16 with no qualifications and pregnant with her first son. She says she was told she would "never amount to anything".

If only every politician could be like her I can't help but think of the potential for this country. Grassroots politics at its best. I'll take lived experiences and stories of hardship over career politicians, those with financially comfortable backgrounds, and university degrees with bugger-all, real-life experience any day of the week.

If you've been reading my blog posts thus far as well as my autobiography you'll know full well of a life far less than ordinary, or in any way conventional where my background is concerned, and, if I can be forgiven for taking a moment to blow my own trumpet, bringing with me the experiences and wisdom that few others will ever know from their own, individual life journeys.

If you want to know me, and what I'm about my best advice is to start reading. As a heads-up though, here's a snippet of what earned me a four-star review. "The Sexual Philanthropist is a powerful and moving book that will stay with you long after you finish reading it. It is a must-read."

Of course, Angela Rayner, as with politicians from both main parties has one mighty advantage over little me, and that's a war chest of funds that I simply don't have at my disposal. Unfair as the system may be to those it disadvantages like myself, others who put themselves forward as candidates - or their respective parties, can blow as much money as they have available into any campaign prior to the official election period. This includes TV, radio, and press advertising. Billboards too, as well as internet advertising, leaflets, posters, mail drops, and more. Basically, the world is their advertising and promotional oyster.

Limits on spend are only capped after candidates are registered as such. With others, no expense is spared. With me, every expense is spared. All I have is a gob, and words on screen, such as this. Therefore, in betting terms, the odds of me being elected are probably around 250.000.000/1, if I'm lucky. On the plus side, if you have a spare fiver knocking around, then keep it handy for when the bookmakers begin publishing the odds, as stranger things have happened and I could end up making your fortune for you if pigs sprout wings by then.

Seriously though, the one thing that's stuck firmly in my mind since my previous skirmishes into politics is, 'Never say never'.

To be continued in my next blog post.