Liberal Democrat councillor and social media favourite Carl Cashman, dubbed the “UK’s hottest politician”, has claimed that as many as 80 per cent of Liberal Democrat members are “probably part of the LGBTQ community”.
Cashman, who leads the Lib Dem group on Liverpool City Council, made the eyebrow-raising comment during an appearance on the Boys! Boys! Boys! podcast with Graeme Smith — now available to stream.
The 34-year-old politician, who is straight, has gained a loyal fanbase — particularly among gay men — thanks to his outspoken progressive politics and frequent shirtless gym selfies on social media.
When asked why disillusioned queer voters should consider backing the Liberal Democrats, Cashman didn’t hesitate.
“80% of Liberal Democrat members — I’m not lying — 80% of Liberal Democrat members are probably part of the LGBTQ community,” he said.
Liberalism as Identity, Not Just Policy
While no official data supports Cashman’s exact figure (the party does not collect gender or sexuality information from members), the Lib Dems have long been seen as one of the UK’s most LGBTQ+ inclusive political parties.
“Liberalism to me is about being able to be unashamedly yourself and not being judged for it,” Cashman explained.
“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.”
Elsewhere in the episode, Cashman addressed his popularity in the LGBTQ+ community and the growing attention his social media receives. While some have advised him to tone down the selfies, he says that’s not on the cards.
“I didn’t get into politics to change who I am,” he said. “And I wouldn’t expect anyone else to do that. That’s why I’m a Liberal. The best thing about the world is how different people are.”
A Politician Who Embraces Visibility
As for whether he worries how his gym selfies might be received by voters?
“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 some robotic politician.”
Cashman’s willingness to embrace both authenticity and visibility — even if it means becoming a viral internet crush — has earned him a rare kind of crossover appeal. And if his popularity continues to rise, he may soon be one of the most recognisable Lib Dems in the country.
