Simon Richards

Political Activity

He has been the driving force behind the Freedom Zone at Conservative party conferences. In the 2013 Conservative party Conference, he provoked controversy by inviting Nigel Farage to speak at the Freedom Zone in an attempt to have, what he describes, as "real debates". As the head of the Better Off Out campaign, he is very involved in discussion of British membership of the European Union, earning him a position as the 91st most influential right-winger in UK politics in 2013, according to The Telegraph. Iain Dale, a columnist for The Telegraph, wrote in 2013 that he will be one of the main political figures in "Uniting The Right" in the run-up to the 2015 General Election.

Political Views

Describing himself as a Thatcherite, he is an avid supporter of Margaret Thatcher, having been an outspoken defender of her following her death, amid demonstrations. He is quoted as having said: "We owe her so much. Please do not let her down at a time when her enemies are intent on demonstrating their hatred for her in the vilest of ways."

He also has been a columnist for the Daily Mail.