During a debate on the news that the voting age has been lowered, Loose Women anchor Charlene White was called out by viewers for interrupting Kelly Brook.
Charlene White was seen interrupting Kelly Brook during a fiery political debate on today’s episode of ITV’s Loose Women.
The newsreader was in her usual slot as the programme’s anchor on Thursday’s edition of the ITV lunchtime chat show when she and her co-stars discussed the news that 16 and 17-year-olds will now be able to vote. When Kelly’s turn came to speak, she tried to argue that there is “more information” now than the days when perhaps children would have simply copied their parents, even though there is “a lot of misinformation” around as well. The model tried to argue that a person’s voting stance can change throughout their life, depending upon their own experiences.
She suggested that some people may be more affected by the care system, for example, or may be running a business when they reach adulthood, so the way they vote could be different to how they would have done as a teenager. Charlene continually shouted “Kel, Kel, Kel, so what I’m saying is,” over the top of her. Ultimately Charlene also argued that voting needs may change as one gets older, and Kelly concurred, but then quickly added: “So that’s why 18-year-olds shouldn’t be voting.”
Kelly then tried to ask if the move was “so important” why it hasn’t come about before, but again, Charlene interrupted her again to bring fellow panellist Linda Robson into the conversation. The Birds of a Feather actress simply noted that she had “never been interested” in politics but would encourage her grandchildren to think differently, whilst Nadia Sawalha claimed that the move may help the country “inch towards a democracy” as time goes on.
But Charlene’s interruption of Kelly did not go unnoticed, and viewers took to social media to vent their frustration. One wrote: “its all kicking off on #loosewomen i’m sure all its 5 viewers are enjoying kelly brook’s rant”, and another championed Kelly as they wrote: “Go on kelly brook let her finish Charlene”.
Charlene and the lunchtime ladies were discussing the news that the voting age is to be lowered (Image: ITV)
Another viewer complained that Charlene had been “too loud” in the moment and ordered her to “shut up”, but another claimed that Kelly had been “way out of her depth” with the comments.
Under existing rules 16 and 17-year-olds are already able to cast a ballot in both local and devolved and local elections in Scotland and Wales – but not in England and Northern Ireland. The age of voting at a general election currently stands at 18 for all four corners of the UK.
It is among a string of changes that also includes closing loopholes on foreign donations to political parties through shell companies. There will be more severe fines of up to £500,000 for those who breach the rules. UK-issued bank cards will also become an acceptable form of ID at polling stations.
Viewers reacted to the awkward moment on social media(Image: ITV)
The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government also said “far too many people are being deterred from voting” due to controversial Voter ID rules. Deputy Prime Minister, Angela Rayner said: “For too long public trust in our democracy has been damaged and faith in our institutions has been allowed to decline.”
She said ministers are “taking action to break down barriers to participation”. Minister for Democracy Rushanara Ali described it as a “generational step forward”.
It is the first time the voting ages since the 1960s. Harry Quilter-Pinner, director of think-tank the IPPR, said: “Our democracy is in crisis, and we risk reaching a tipping point where politics loses its legitimacy. The government has clearly heard these alarm bells. The policies announced today represent the biggest reform to our electoral system since 1969, more than 50 years. ”
And he continued: “At a time when public trust in politics is at a low ebb, this expansion of our democracy is a vital step toward rebuilding confidence, modernising our institutions, and pushing back against the rise of populism.”
Green Party MP, Ellie Chowns said: “On this one, Labour have got it right. Giving 16- and 17-year-olds the vote is a long-overdue step towards a stronger, more inclusive democracy. Young people have powerful voices and a vital stake in decisions about their future — it’s only right that they have a say at the ballot box.”
But she called on the Government to go further by scrapping the House of Lords and bringing in proportional voting – a system that would benefit smaller parties.
