Carol Vorderman intensifies criticism of Shaun Bailey: ‘His response is feeble’
"This doesn't qualify as an apology; it's simply another attempt to justify unacceptable conduct, coupled with yet another personal assault on me."
Carol Vorderman has reinforced her earlier criticism of Conservative peer Shaun Bailey following his remarks about her on GB News.
During a GB News debate last month, the former London mayoral candidate questioned Carol’s credibility as a “serious political commentator.” Bailey remarked, “On one hand, she’s presenting herself as a serious political commentator, and then, if you look at her Instagram, it’s all about her figure and physique.”
He went on to question the consistency of her image, stating, “So, which is it? Can she be both?”
In response, Carol labelled Bailey a “misogynist” and referred to him as the “jingle and mingle Partygate apologist” on a platform. This term was in reference to a photograph of him at the Conservative Party headquarters during a time when lockdown measures were in effect.
Tory Shaun Bailey is a MISOGYNIST #SexistShaun – the Jingle & Mingle Partygate apologist
“Carol Vorderman tries to be a serious political commentator. But if you look at her on instagram it’s all pictures of her bum(s) and her boobs.
She can’t be both.” he grunted on GB News… pic.twitter.com/KA13Z16OD4— Carol Vorderman (@carolvorders) January 3, 2024
Certainly, here’s a more human-like rephrasing of the text in UK English:
“Shaun expressed the view that women donning lycra at the gym should not have a say in politics, insinuating they might not even deserve the right to vote,” she asserted.
Responding to this, Shaun released a statement to HuffPost UK, stating, “During a recent discussion, my choice of words regarding Carol Vorderman’s Instagram posts was inelegant. What I intended to convey was that while Carol portrays a glamorous and celebrity-filled life on Instagram, she also criticises and intimidates those with differing political views. I firmly advocate for freedom of expression but strongly oppose any form of bullying.”
However, Carol, in her statement to BBC News, rebuffed Shaun’s response, stating, “Shaun Bailey’s reaction is feeble. This isn’t an apology; it’s another attempt to excuse unacceptable behaviour, followed by an attack on me.”
Referring to Bailey’s involvement in the Partygate scandal, she added, “[Boris] Johnson elevated him to the House of Lords. He’s a rule breaker who’s now expected to make rules. In traditional politics, using his own words, he ‘can’t be both’.”
“As for his subtle attack on me – the Tory party has pushed the public around with their policies and untruths for years. Certain sections of the right-wing media and television have published offensive content about me ever since I dared to engage in political debates.”
BBC NEWS
Shaun Bailey’s comments are ‘pathetic’“Voices like mine have found a community together. We will hold people to account.
I’m post-menopause. I have ripped up the celebrity rulebook.
I’m here without apology & without fear.”#SexistShaun https://t.co/SqUAcXfijg— Carol Vorderman (@carolvorders) January 4, 2024
Carol highlighted that individuals like Shaun Bailey are uncomfortable with the newfound voice of those who were previously unheard. “It’s a collective sentiment among us who felt voiceless. Shaun Bailey and his Conservative allies resort to bullying tactics, seemingly incapable of engaging in substantive discourse, especially when faced with a woman discussing pertinent issues,” she remarked, referencing Margaret Thatcher’s belief that personal attacks signal a lack of political arguments.
When approached by HuffPost UK, Shaun Bailey’s team declined further comment.
Renowned for her television appearances on programmes like Countdown, Loose Women, and This Morning, Carol has shifted attention with her recent forays into political commentary. Her outspoken criticism of the present Conservative administration on social media has drawn attention. Last year, Carol announced her departure from her BBC Wales radio show, adamant about continuing to voice her dissent against the UK government’s actions, despite new social media guidelines imposed on BBC personnel.
“I’m committed to fighting for my beliefs,” Carol affirmed, expressing her determination to persist in her advocacy.
Additionally, Carol disclosed her collaboration with the Good Law Project, aiming to uncover undisclosed information regarding the government’s management of the Covid crisis.
NEW – THE VIP FILES 🔍🗄️📂
I’m working with @GoodLawProject on a trove of never-before-published material which reveals the staggering scale of the cronyism behind pandemic procurement and the PPE scandal.
Follow us as we open up THE VIP FILES 🔎🗄️📂
Please RT #TheVIPFiles pic.twitter.com/0OxeNj9MUo
— Carol Vorderman (@carolvorders) December 6, 2023
