• Mother said 'I don’t want you in that dirty world of politics'

Reader views (60)

 Add your view

It doesn't really matter who won they'll probably lose the seat at the next election and anyone has to be better than John Austin.

Doing up and then selling his 2nd home and then buying a more expensive one that we're paying for when he planned to retire at the next election was a great plan to get a bit of extra cash before he gets his pension.

An MP in this constituency should not be entitled to a second home. Public transport in SE London is pretty poor but even if they used taxis to and from parliament it'd still be cheaper than paying them the 2nd homes allowance and it would benefit taxi drivers instead of an MP already on £67k a year. There's no reason why an MP in this constituency can't use the train, I do when I work in Central London.

- John, Plumstead, London

i actually live and work in the area, and i feel not many of you have had the chance to meet and listen to Georgia, still we got the candidate that ou own mp John Austin backed and asked us all to support. How strange i read in other comments abou this area the deprivation and many many problems, and our own LABOUR MP Mr Austin defends claiming thousands and thousands on the second home clause and lots more claimed by him, he should hang his head in shame. Come on call a public meeting and try to defend your greed and robery

- Jackie, thamesmead london

It is not so much that she is young and inexperienced, but that she is one of those bourgeois, 'contemporary' socialist, elitist, faux-sophisticates that have served to bring Labour to ruin over the last 12 years. And that would be especially inappropriate in an electoral ward that is considered to be one of the worst in the country for social depravation- if not in Europe- with all the attendant problems of drug addiction, welfare dependency, and racism that come with it. I also have no doubt these will have been compounded by the effects of the recession.

Instead, Labour should consider the eligability of another candidate not only less abrasive, but who can genuinely identify with the hardship of many local voters likely to feel disaffected with Labour, as otherwise it is likely that the local anger will be exploited by extremist parties such as the BNP. Labour should not presume a certain victory in Erith and Thamesmead- after all, is there such a thing nowadays as a 'safe' Labour seat?

- Darren P., Rochester, Kent

" Friend of Blairs " says it all does'nt it.?

- David., Chertsey.UK.

Miss gould was confident she would br shoehorned into thamesmead,if she shut up about her conections maybe she would have got in,stop whining ,you are too young and exoeriencrd to be an mp,what do you know about the way in which the serfs have to live...

- Martin Lewis, LONDON

She has zero worldly experience, no track record, arrogant, elitist, and totally unaware of what is right. She will fit in nicely when she is forced onto an electorate soon.
Democracy needs a rethink.

- Mr Pastry, Brisbane

I wish she'd whine somewhere else. The whole thing was tainted from the start and as for Labour needing fresh blood, don't bother they will never get in again after what they've done to this country.

Apart from the expenses scandal there is also the scandal of them committing treason against the people of this country. They still haven't been punished for that.
They had to pay in the end, it's karma.

Now let's investigate the corrupt/illegal EU.

- Zordana, England

Ms Gould talks about older MPs tainted by sleaze but in the unlikely event of her having been selected she would have been young and tainted by the sleaze of being a parliamentary candidate who was only there because: The Labour General Council imposed an all women short list against the wishes of the Constituency Party. The local Procedure Secretary was removed for no worthwhile reason.
There was not proper scrutiny of the reasons for postal vote applications. It was even assumed that because you needed a postal vote first time (maybe you were away on business etc.) you would automatically require one second time.
A shortlist of eight candidates was imposed by the new Procedure Secretary although the local Executive Committee had recommended a shortlist of eight.

Surely Georgia was not naive enough to believe that local members would choose a member of the ruling dynasty to represent them after such shenanigans!

- Cassandra, London

Whatever happened to the convention that would-be candidates who aren't selected stand loyally behind the prospective candidate? Teresa Pearce is Labour's choice to try and hold Erith and Thamesmead, possibly a difficult task given the government's record. How is her campaign helped by the thwarted carpet-bagger's self-obsessed whining? And didn't would-be Labour careerists used to have to cut their teeth in safe TORY seats before being they got a real chance of being elected?

- Alabama, London

Isn't it rather "odd" how unfair it is when the "SPIN" of others work against the desired goal?

Overall, the result is probably quite "fair". After all, what "real life experience" could a 23 year old bring to politics and more importantly to the constituents of Erith & Thamesmead?

Perhaps Georgia Gould would be better seved by being an assistant to an existing honourable Labour MP - for the next 5 years or so - whilst gaining essential "real-life experience"?

- Fraser, Telford Park

Another career MP ? Amazing how a 23 year old with no life experience, or more importantly business experience wants to become an MP . Get a real job (not through friends , family ) and come back in 20 years . I assume your spin team thought this would be a good idea , it will come back to haunt you for a long time as we know mud sticks.

- Simon, london

I don't want a 23 year old representing me. She's just not old enough.

- Damozel, London UK

I was incandescent with anger reading this smug article from a girl who is an apologist for everything that is wrong with Labour politics. Having read the other articles I am delighted to see that so many people feel the same. Daddy could not get you a little seat this time Georgia,. Still, you have a £500K flat as a consolation. Puke inducing

- Liam, London

Yet another deluded member of the Labour party.

- David, Fleet UK

The fact that she was even considered as an MP reflects what is wrong with politics at the moment. I very much doubt she has any idea what real life is about.

- Darren, london

I suggest that if all political candidates are picked from the area they live in then this tawdry episode will not happen again.

- Sonia M., St Albans, Herts

Poor girl, just when she thought she was sure to join the family gravy train.

- Frank, Dorchester Dorset

The people of Thamesmead have made the right decision She's never had a proper job, has little idea what it means to work and raise a family under a Labour govt and he appointment would have smacked of the sort of nepotism Nu Labour and renound for.

- Paul, 25, Thamesmead, London

What a stupid and gullible young woman thinking the socialists could run an election that is fair and above board. Any way why does she want to stand for a totally bankrupt and failed ideology that will be out of power for good with any luck. Her parents must be the typical champagne socialists, more money than sense.

- Richard K, Nottingham

I thought New Labour were all against priviledge. Georgia didn't hold back in wheeling out Daddies New Lab cronies. Never mind Georgia I am sure that what Georgia wants - Daddy will get.

- Maureen Oconnell, romford uk

ermmm having been her age ( and she of course has never been mine-50) I can factually state that she hasn't got the experience or life ability to last 2 minutes. However as yet another puppet of the central control bunker she would do nicely

- John G, london UK

I hope that Georgia, has noted the peoples commnets. Her thoughts about 'revolutionise' and 'new agenda' are honorable, however her academic background and experiencs is not in tune with the people of Erith and Thamesmead nor the rest of the population! Perhaps if she were to get her hands dirty in a proper job over 5 years plus and then return to the political scene; this might stand her in good stead for the future. However her bellyaching and sense of feeling in this report airs her arrogance - of which the past couple of weeks re our political masters; we could well do without.

- Philip Ashworth, Tunbridge Wells, Kent

ummm Jane, from England,

I'm not sure anyone is particularly interested in the shilling of those who obviously have a relationship with this deluded young girl.

you made statements:
- "Yes - young people who will work hard, believe in FOI and, who would not treat the electorate with disdain"

- "... and those who know her speak well of her abilities"

if you are an independent party just passing comment, how do you know what she believes in, her philosophies, and what the private opinions are of those who know her???????

something very fishy and wholly unsatisfactory here.

- Scotty, london

she was too youg ,too inexperienced and obviously selected for who she was not her abilities or track record..she had no right to selection at all

- Jean, London England

Dont worry Georgia its blessing in disguise as its no longer safe seat, and you might have lost anyway. Looking at the current situation.

- Nayeshrao Pitla, London

Couldn't agree more with the previous posts. Do we really need or want a 23 year old whose only life experience is a pampered upbringing and three years at Oxford? I'm all in favour of younger, fresher faces in parliament, especially in light of the galling arrogance of those such as Anthony Steen when called to account for their expenses. However, I have no time for career politicians (Gordon Brown being a prime example) who have not proved themselves in any capacity other than a knack for climbing the greasy pole. Georgia, no doubt your intentions are good, but go out and experience something of the real world, and then come back and tell us how you would change it for the better.

- Rob, London

I am not at all surprised that this young woman was subjected to dirty tricks. In the past two weeks we have read about the tricks of politicians to milk the ACR scheme. Many of these politicians have been in post for many years and believe it is their right to claim allowances without any queries. Dirty tricks seems to permeate all levels of political organisations.

We now have a few young people who are interested in politics. Yes - young people who will work hard, believe in FOI and, who would not treat the electorate with disdain. Yet some try and undermine their ambition and their wish to do some good - not by argument but by nasty politics! This young woman has apparently been active in the political party she supports for many years and those who know her speak well of her abilities. She would have attracted many young voters too. Surely we do need a more representative parliament?

As a mature woman, I would have welcomed younger faces in Parliament and a better gender balance. It is a myth to suggest that age automatically means experience or common sense. Listening to some of the honourable members in recent weeks regarding their expense claims would suggest that many do not possess either!

This young woman deserves to be treated on her own merit and I am horrified that she is being judged because of her family, her association with a discredited government and by elements within the movement she supports. Quite shameful!

- Jane, England

Too young for my vote I'm afraid!

- Goggs, London

I don't know if it's a lie or not that Darling made phonecalls on her behalf. However this young woman comes from another planet, has no job, no achievements of her own to speak of ecc. This (relatively mild) campaign against her told some unwelcome truths. If THAT makes her not getting out of bed, then what would happen when real life hits?
I suggest a reality check, and a couple of years in a real job, and then we'll see......

- Juma, london, uk

Years ago, I worked in admin for a political party. Before I'd even got my feet under the desk, two women in the office tried to find ways to make life difficult. There was nothing I could do in my defence, since the bullies had proved their worth by working for many years in politics; they were highly regarded by the MPs they worked for.

The MPs didn't have a clue about what was going on behind their backs. As soon as they went off to their constituencies, I was continuously bullied. I had to sit with one of the women all day in the main office while she puffed on fags, turned the television up full volume, used abusive language, eyeballed me all day and threw her phone across the room. She created an atmosphere of fear which spread throughout the office. I found it really scary and it put me off politics for life. I ended up trying to stick up for myself and decided it was hopeless, so left after a difficult episode.

I then had to face a complete smear campaign against me - vicious personal attacks, lies and rumours about my background, education, who I fancy or not as the case may be, etc. Everything was done to denigrate me. I was bullied even after I left - it was terrible and I had no voice. Those responsible are truly evil. They still do this from what I understand but it hasn't stopped me from enjoying campaigning with friends.

Georgia should carry on doing what she loves, keep striving to become an MP and not give a stuff about the rubbish.

- Jennifer R., London

It clearly never entered her empty head that whe was rejected because she'd be as useless as her daddy.

- Lezli, London / ENGLAND

Poor little Miss Gould! Go away get a job as a nurse, social worker, teacher, or factory worker and then come back to politics in 20 year times when you may have some idea about the reality of life for ordinary working people. We have had enough of a cabinet filled with recently post-pubescent "career politicians" of New Labour - please give us a break!!!

- Edmundb, Banbury, Oxon

So 'Young people like myself have known for some time that we need a new agenda that has, at its heart, the environment, social mobility, and a more open, transparent style of doing politics.' ???? are you sure she is 23 this sounds like the usual whine of the stroppy know-it-all teenager

- Jim, London

Another Politico moaning and whining that it's all somebody else's fault. The Labour Party had new fresh young blood by the name of David Milliband, Ed Balls, Yvette Cooper,etc and look how useless they've turned out to be. In truth, there isn't a Labour Party anymore. I don't know what the group is going by that name but they sure ain't in the Labour tradition and they sure ain't in touch with ordinary people. Ms. Gould appears to think rather a lot of herself and we have had enough of that attitude, thank you very much.

- Janet, London, UK

People who use "myself" instead of "me" are rarely worth listening to.

- St, London

Kim,

you seem to be confused: there is a difference between someone being subjected to a smear campaign - and unsubtantiated allegations that a smear campaign, and not merit, held her back.

maybe in your fantasia critical reasoning doesn't apply?

- Scotty, london

now of course we could ask what right does a 23yr old girl have to thinking she is campaigning on her own merits?

daddy's friends promised her free ride, and she discovered its not as simple as that?

this sort of callow naivety is as good a reason as any not to select her.

many of these "lies" sound pretty close to the mark to me.

inexperienced - check
priviledged - check
too young - check
too rich - ?
grotesquely misinformed entitlement complex - absolutely.

- Scotty, london

What does this person know about the problems of the ordinary person so she can represent them in a parliamentary democracy? She's had privileged life ( which is not the reason I question her ability). As others have she has No idea how to support herself, paying mortgage, feeding and raising a family. The political classes from which she comes from obviously thinks that there are several members of the public who will be taken in by this utter waste of time- The Party machines of all the major parties promotes 'brown nosers' Not people with Ability- Hence we have now got a parliament full of money grabbing, illiterate little people with little or no ability to run the country.

- Shay King, London

Frankly , a more humble and less arrogant approach on her opart would be welcome. What would she actually bring to the House of Commons apart from her experiences as a student and in student union politics. Earning her own living successfully for, say, ten years, might prove a more appropriate qualification for someone who aspires to tell us what to do.

- Peter Haldane, London

No more of these labour career politicians please! Go and get a real job in the real world and when you have some real experience come back and queue in line for your opportunity.

- Save Us From Labour, London

Poor little thing, welcome to the real world.Why not try a couple of 'dud' seats before you get a bite of the real cherry. I for one would not be terribly happy with a 22 year old school (university) leaver as my MP. What experience do you have in life?

- Martin, London

How much time would this woman spend living in this constituency, as oppose to her second home in some swanky central London apartment. I think we all know the answer to that, maybe if she had earned her stripes thrtough local politics then the good people of Erith and Thamesmead would have some RESPECT.

- Howard, London, UK

She should stop whining and describe her plans for the next few years that will be a mixture of getting real world (yes working class world)experience and useful qualifications so that in a few years' time she may present herself as a credible candidate somewhere, so that in fact she is a bit more like the lady who actually was selected in preference to her for this constituency.

- Mary, London

Frank Home Counties

Couldn't have put it better myself.

- N Grinsell, London

This girl is the perfect example of someone that we DON'T need in politics.
She is part of the political classes through and through, it runs in her blood. I thought the problem that we've been having in Parliament for years (and not just recently with the expenses scandal) was that this political class runs the place with no understanding of the real world works.
If Gould was 35 years old and had managed to live and WORK in the real world, in the private sector, and not just in 'politics' (is that a carrer path now?) then she could possibly become a decent MP.
As it is, she is just 23 years old. What experience in life have you had at 23?! Have you experienced the NHS? Have you bought a house? Have you ever earned a salary, paid taxes and supported yourself? In short, do you have any experience in the real world? Of course the answer is no, yet she feels qualified to go into Parliament and rule over us (yes it should be serve but we know the truth). Another breathtaking example of the arrogance of our new rulers.
As for the smear capmapigns etc, thanks to this interview/PR piece, it certainly appears that she knows how to use PR/spin to her advantage. Of course, to the political classes this is seen as a sign of intelligence and playing the game. To the rest of us, it only goes to show once again that she has no concept of life outside the cocoon of politics. Oh and another Oxford grad too-how about we get a doctor who went to Hull Uni (random pick) as an MP for a change?

- Ted, London England

You would never have been voted in by the local population anyway love!

- Sue, Orpington, Kent

Kim from Lancing, it's got less to do with prejudice against her because of her education and background and far more to do with the Labour Party's attempt to shoe-horn in someone on the basis of her family connections. The people of the area (who, excuse them, are the ones whose views ought to be paramount here0 have decided that they simply do not want this.

- H, rochford, essex

Well, your 'Uncle Ally' has a 'political lifetime' of first hand experience and expertese with this grotesquely typical duplicitous and mendacious
'spinnysism'.
And [your prospective 'agent'] Campbell's supposedly still stealthily on the 'inside' at No10.

Surely he ain't really a ZaNuLabour/McLabour
double-agent too?
Ask him.

Goes to show, doesn't it GG, that you just can't trust anyone, these [Brown Banana Republican] days!

- Dave, Cumbria

How could this woman knock on the doors of the electorate and tell them she understands thier fears over loosing their jobs and thier homes - she has no life experience whatsoever. It's the same in my area where we have hillary benn's neice as our labour candidate - she's an oxford student. How the hell can they say they represent constituents. Have they ever worked a day in their lives? It's these sort of people who9 become MPs just to stick their noses in the trough!

- Derek, Worthing

Georgia, when you sup with the devil next time remember to take that long spoon with you. Your family is intimately acquainted with Alistair Campbell and his ways, so what happened to you should come as absolutely no surprise. You are too young to be an MP at the moment and too thin-skinned. We don't need people who are simply idealogues to represent us, we need people who have some experience of making their way in the world. Come back in 10 years.

- Sophie King, London, UK

With the greatest of respect, Ms Gould, what life experience do you as a 23 year old bring to Parliament?

Previous societies have fetishized old age in deference to the quality of wisdom. Today we fetishise youth because we associate it with energy and new ideas.

Parliament needs change. But we need people with experience - and experience takes time, and years to acquire. The Lib Dems made a serious error in picking the young and telegenic Nick Clegg over the older, less "sexy" but vastly more impressive Vince Cable.

- Danny, London

Welcome to the real world - the reason you failed in your bid to become the Labour candidate is that someone else is BETTER suited and can contribute more. What have you done that entitle your candidacy?

- Max, Isleworth

I'd say for a family that has wreaked so much havoc on the British nation, this woman got away lightly.

- Bingham Macnamara, lymington, hampshire

H'mm a safe seat, an all women shortlist and a 'star' 'parachuted in', yes the local yokels would fall over themselves in gratitude at being granted such a favour by the gods of New Labour.

- Jim, London

I have no sympathy for her. If we are going to clean Parliament up, it has to become more representative of the people rather than a career opportunity for a select few. The general public should have the final vote in the selection process before they get to vote for a candidate in an election.

- Harry H, London UK

Fanfan has beautifully demonstrated a prejudice against someone with education and background irrespective of her capabilities. She didn't stay in bed because the 'didn't get what she wanted', she was the victim of a smear campaign. What should rouse anger her is the level that politics is stooping to prevent candidates being elected. That is the story here! So welcome to the 'real world' Fanfan ... oh sorry, you are the only one in the real world - the rest of us are living in Fantastia.

- Kim, Lancing, West Sussex

You would need to be tougher than this woman to work in Sainsbury's or on London Underground. Go away for ten years little girl and come back when you have got over yourself.

- Jilly, London

Poor little daddies girl. Unable to benefit from nepotism and denied a cosy ride on the gravy train.

I really think people would like to choose their own politicians and not have some corrupt socialists forcing immature little girls on them.

Go out and get a job, fight through life like the rest of have to. Then you may be in a position to a apply to represent the real people of this country.

Rich preachy socialists make me sick.

- Frank, Home Counties, England.

See you cynical lot. New Labours not dead...it just smells bad.
If daddy won't buy her a constituency then daddy will just have to arrange some sort of enoblement for her. Must get her into the public troughing club somehow. Perish the thought of actually getting a proper job and gaining some life experience.

Makes you retch doesn't it how the 'in crowd' go to any lengths to get their offspring into the public purse. Whats next Euan Bliar -MP for rottenborough?

- Ethan, UK

Poor darling, gets a little flak and, as a result, can barely bring herself to get out of bed in the morning. Welcome to the real world Ms Gould when you don't always get what you want. Doesn't look too good for the self styled Labour young generation.

- Fanfan La Tulipe, London

Add your comment