Sandi Toksvig quits News Quiz to set up new political party
Out comedian Sandi Toksvig has announced that she plans to create a new political party for women’s equality.
Speaking on Women’s Hour today, she explained that she had decided to quit the show in order to “participate” in politics – by creating a feminist Women’s Equality party.
She said: “I have made jokes over and over and over again about politics and, do you know, this election I’ve had enough… and I have decided that instead of making jokes about it, I need to participate.”
“So I am involved in the founding of a new political party. It’s called the Women’s Equality Party. It is a fantastic group of women – and indeed men – who have decided that enough is enough and we need to make some changes.”
She continued: “Clearly, if I’m going to be taking part in the political scene, it wouldn’t be appropriate sitting there making jokes about it.”
When pointed out that the panellists will now poke fun at her, she said: “They’d be welcome to… and good luck to them to try, frankly!”
“I feel I need to commit to this, I’m really excited about it. I’ve watched the mainstream parties blame eachother and bicker.
“It seems to be that politicians now, there’s the overbearing parent… or there’s the overgrown toddler. I think it’s time to grow up.
“We look at why women still do not have equality in this country.
“It’s not going to be right or left, it’s going to be a very pragmatic female approach to things.”
The party has missed the deadline to stand candidates next month, but is planning to do so in 2020.
