With almost 5,000 wards up for grabs, it’s all hands to the pump at these local elections. And in their desire to field a full slate for 7 May, the good Conservatives of Greenwich have turned to a familiar face to stand in the unpromising territory of Woolwich Arsenal. Hugh O’Leary, best known as Liz Truss’s husband, is standing next month, having previously contested other unwinnable wards back in 1998, 2002 and 2006. A victory here really would be the mother of all comebacks…
O’Leary is believed to be the first spouse of a Prime Minister to stand for political office after leaving Downing Street since Margaret Lloyd George, who sat on Criccieth Urban District Council from 1919 to 1941. A popular figure among local Tories, O’Leary’s decision to stand is all the more striking given the never-ending speculation linking Truss to Reform UK. Asked on TalkTV last year whether she would prefer Nigel Farage or Kemi Badenoch to succeed her as Prime Minister, Truss – still a card-carrying Conservative member – declined to answer.
Well, if anyone can win her vote this time, surely it will be Hugh…
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