Dressed to impress

My good friend Gary Ling, who I have known since university, turned heads at a local election count on Thursday.

Resplendent in a pale blue Nigerian saree purchased in Lagos last year, Reform UK’s Watford ‘spokesperson’ attracted admiring glances from friends and foes alike.

A photo duly appeared in the local newspaper (Watford's established parties survive Reform UK 'earthquake').

But that’s not all.

Gary’s garb also caught the attention of the local Conservative agent who loved it, apparently. (Sounds like a potential defector to me.)

As it happens, I’d seen the garment before - when we went on a cruise to Lisbon with our wives last year - and I can vouch for it being a talking point even then.

Perhaps more politicians and campaigners should ditch the traditional suit and switch to a saree.

Or is this just another example of cultural appropriation that should be banned? What do you think?!

Below: Helen and Gary Ling with my wife Clare (right) on board the Queen Anne, October 2024