‘UK’s hottest politician’ claims 80 per cent of Lib Dems are ‘probably’ LGBTQ+
Carl Cashman. (Instagram/@carlcashman91)
The Liberal Democrat politician Carl Cashman has claimed that “80% of Liberal Democrat members are probably part of the LGBTQ community”.
Cashman, the “UK’s hottest politician”, is the leader of the Liberal Democrats group for Liverpool City Council and a Lib Dem councillor. As well as his political takes, Cashman has also won himself a loyal following of queer fans – mainly gay men – thanks to his shirtless gym pics on social media.
Speaking to Graeme Smith on the Boys! Boys! Boys! podcast – streaming now – Cashman sat down to discuss politics, the UK, and putting progressive values at the heart of his work. Asked why queer people who feel politically disillusioned should vote for the Lib Dems, the 34-year-old said it was because the party is made up of people in the queer community.
“80% of Liberal Democrat members – I’m not lying – 80% of Liberal Democrat members are probably part of the LGBTQ community,” Cashman said.
He continued: “Liberalism to me is about being able to be unashamedly yourself and not being judged for it. So, as long as you’re not impacting on someone else’s life, you should be able to live exactly the life that you want.
“And the Lib Dems try to put policies in place that make that happen and allow people to live that sort of life.”
The sexuality and/or gender identity of party members is not information that is collected by the Liberal Democrats so it’s not currently possible to verify Cashman’s claim. However, anecdotally the party is known for being popular with LGBTQ+ people.
Elsewhere in the podcast, Cashman discussed his personal popularity with the LGBTQ+ community. The Liverpudlian, who is straight, said it was “up for debate” if he was the “most well-known Liberal Democrat” but made it clear he was happy to use his platform to help others.
“But if I can serve progressive politics and if I can serve liberalism by being myself and getting a message out through being myself, then I’m more than happy to do that.”
Cashman said his gym selfies prompted advice to “be careful” about what he posts on social media. Saying it was something he’d done since he “was 19, 20 years old”, he said: “I didn’t get into politics to change who I am as a person. And I wouldn’t expect anyone to do that. And this is the reason I’m a Liberal. I actually think that the best thing about the world is how different people are.”
As to whether he’s worried what other people will think about him sharing aspects of his personal life with people, including constituents, he said: “If people decide not to elect me as the leader of the council or whatever in the future, then that’s their decision. But I would rather them make that decision based on who I am as a person and not this robotic politician.”
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