Kmflett's Blog

Beard Liberation Front

23rd November

contact BLF Organiser Keith Flett 07803 167266

James Cleverley exclusion from Parliamentary Beard of the Year list confirmed after offensive remark

The Beard Liberation Front, the informal network of beard wearers, is drawing up the list of contenders for the annual Parliamentary Beard of the Year shortlist.

The list goes to a web based public vote with a winner announced in mid-December.

One issue that BLF assessors have reviewed is whether or not the current Home Secretary James Cleverley merits inclusion.

The criteria is NOT about the politics of the beard wearer, but whether there beard has promoted a positive image of the hirsute in Westminster and elsewhere.

The BLF is democratic and accountable so the issue of James Cleverley’s beard was put to one hundred supporters in an on-line poll. 61.8% said he should not be included with just 15.7% saying he should. 22.5% abstained.

Following Cleverley’s remark about Stockton on Tees as a ‘sh*thole’ the campaigners have now confirmed Cleverley’s exclusion for 2023. Cleverley has agreed called an MP a sh*t

BLF Organiser Keith Flett said, James Cleverley is arguably the most prominent beard wearer in Westminster politics. The issue we consulted on is whether on balance his beard presents a positive image and should therefore be included on the Parliamentary Beard of the Year shortlist. The answer from the sample of our supporters is a decisive ‘no’. His alleged remark about Stockton underlines the view of BLF supporters. We wish Mr Cleverley’s beard well.