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Sharon may be election X-factor in safe seat
Millions know her as a tough-talking rock manager. Now some say she would make an ideal MP
Joanne Ginley
SHE has gained millions of her own fans for her straight-talking honesty on hit TV show The Osbournes and as a judge on The X-Factor – now Sharon Osbourne is being encouraged to make her mark in the political arena.
The wife and manager of former Black Sabbath rocker Ozzy Osbourne has been approached by a group in Featherstone, West Yorkshire, who want her to stand as an independent candidate at the General Election.
They have contacted the rock matriarch, who divides her time between Los Angles and the UK, to see if she's interested in standing in Hemsworth – a Labour seat, currently held by Jon Trickett MP, with a 15,636 majority.
A spokesman for the group said: "We just heard that Sharon Osbourne might be looking for a constituency to stand in so I have managed to get her details.
"I have been in touch with her office in London and they say she is considering it."
They believe the seat is up for grabs after independent candidates gained three seats on Wakefield Council in the Featherstone ward at last year's local elections.
The Hemsworth constituency is made up of 22 separate towns and villages, including Featherstone.
Wakefield councillor Kay Binnersley (Independent, Featherstone), said she was in favour of the move.
"She's a strong woman and we want someone to get this area well known again."
A letter from the action group to the TV star admits: "On the face of it, the constituency may seem impossible to win – Labour have had a majority of 15,000 for as many years as anyone can remember."
But they say last June's Wakefield Council wins by three independents offered the hope of success for a strong candidate at the General Election, expected to be held in May.
A spokeswoman for Mrs Osbourne, who is also the face of Leeds-based supermarket chain Asda, confirmed they have been in contact with the independent group in Featherstone and are considering their offer.
Last night MP Mr Trickett said: "In a democratic country anyone can seek election to Parliament."
He said so far only one prospective parliamentary candidate had been announced for the seat, and that was not Sharon Osbourne.
Mr Trickett added he would be interested to examine the election programmes and policies of all the candidates wanting to stand in the General Election.
The Conservative candidate for Hemsworth, John Mortimer, said he had been approached by the group over the possibility of Sharon Osbourne standing in the consituency.
He believes that if she is serious about politics, Hemsworth offers a real possiblity for success at the polls in the wake of the gains made by the independents at last year's elections. And he said she has the qualities to be a strong candidate.
"I would welcome it," said the solicitor. "I'm quite happy for Sharon to stand if she wants. I've met few people who are interested in voting for Labour. It's a very interesting seat if she wants to give it a go."
joanne.ginley@ypn.co.uk
Just in case
there's any confusion...
Sharon Osbourne divides her time between Los Angeles and the UK. But if she decides to stand in the West Yorkshire constituency of Hemsworth there are one of two differences she will notice about the pace of life in Hemsworth and Los Angeles...
Hemsworth
Prior to the closure of the pits the local economy was almost wholly dependent on the mining industry.
n The constituency has strong sporting links, with rugby league played at Featherstone Rovers.
n Pit brass bands and a few pints down the local pub remain strong traditions.
n Leisure options include angling, windsurfing or canoeing at a local water park and enjoying the local countryside.
n The latest figures from the Land Registry puts the average cost of detached home in the heart of Hemsworth at 199,350.
Los Angeles
n Famous for Hollywood and at the heart of the motion picture, television and entertainment industry, the city is home to a host of movie stars.
n Evenings can be spent on Sunset Boulevard, at the latest bar, restaurant or club. Visitors stay at some of the most famous hotels in the world, including Chateau Marmont.
n Leisure time is spent on the beach at Malibu, shopping in Beverley Hills, rollerblading along Venice Beach or catching the latest movie.
n Famous sports teams include the Los Angeles Lakers basketball team.
n The average Los Angeles home is selling for $446,400 (238, 946) but high end properties in the Long Beach area are going for an average 850,000 (454,910) while mansions in the Hollywood Hills go for tens of millions of dollars.
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Saturday 26 May 2012
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