Widdecombe: 'Politics can learn from Strictly'

Ann Widdecombe has said that the world of politics could learn some lessons from Strictly Come Dancing.

The former Conservative MP said that the attitude of her rivals on the BBC One reality show should embarrass politicians who displayed "bitterness" when they lost.

Speaking about the differences between the two in her Daily Express column, she said: "When I was becoming popular with grass roots Conservatives my rivals began a frenzy of negative briefing and when I began to appeal to the public they went into overdrive.

"By contrast, although I cannot dance for toffee, the other contestants on Strictly line the balcony and weep with mirth when I am performing. There is not an ounce of spite among them."

She continued: "When Jimi Mistry was eliminated in a shock result he showed none of the bitterness that I have seen exhibited by some politicians when they have, rather more deservedly, lost.

"There were those in my former occupation who cheered me on when I said I was competing in Strictly and there were others who sneered at the show as 'lightweight'. All I can say is that if this is how lightweight people behave, then roll on the day when the heavyweights learn from them."

Strictly continues on Saturday at 6pm on BBC One.