If you expect all pop stars to be left wing, then you're deluded

Female singers who support the right are rare creatures – only Lulu has gone on record as an admirer of Maggie Thatcher whereas Lily Allen, Paloma Faith and Cheryl are right-on socialists

Janet Street-Porter
Friday 02 December 2016 11:16 GMT
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Is Kate Bush really a Tory voter? And if she is, why should it matter? Surely her music is what we adore, not her random thoughts about politics. Last week, in an interview to promote her latest album (subject matter – female empowerment), the reclusive singer dared to opine that she thought Theresa May was “wonderful” and added “it’s great to have a woman in charge of the country … she’s very intelligent … she’s sensible and I think that’s a good thing at this point in time”.

As far as I can see, none of the above is so controversial it could justify the online torrent of abuse Kate has suffered for daring to have an opinion some fans find abhorrent. It’s not surprising that Kate Bush might sympathise with Theresa May, who doesn’t have a gang of chums like the old Etonians who surrounded Cameron and the strident clan around Jeremy Corbyn.

Lily Allen calls in after James O'Brien ridicules her critics

A solitary figure (and an only child) she is clearly comfortable in her own company – a bit like Kate Bush. It’s a plus that any Prime Minister is regarded as sensible, and surely many women would be thrilled that – after all these decades of male domination – we finally have another member of our sex at the helm.

More importantly, why do people expect pop stars to be lefties? Is it because, like Sting, most successful ones are always banging on about their “working class” origins, even when they are millionaires and have very advantageous tax arrangements?

Openly declaring you are a Tory is brave move (and potential career suicide) if you’re in the music business – Tory supporters include Gary Barlow (already worth a fortune) – brave enough to come out with “there’s no one more with it than David” way back in 2010, and Simon Cowell – well, he’s not short of cash.

Female singers who support the right are rare creatures – only Lulu has gone on record as an admirer of Maggie Thatcher (“I liked her strength”) whereas Lily Allen, Paloma Faith and Cheryl are right-on socialists. Female singers can come out as gay, transgender, whatever, but can never admit to voting Conservative in modern Britain.

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