Dame Maureen Lipman, the acclaimed actress and long-time political commentator, has declared her support for Conservative politician Kemi Badenoch ahead of the upcoming UK general election. Having been a Labour supporter for decades, Lipman said she plans to vote Conservative for the first time, praising Badenoch’s political approach and public presence.
Lipman, 80, previously became critical of Labour during Ed Miliband’s leadership and was particularly outspoken against Jeremy Corbyn’s tenure as party leader. However, she had remained politically unaffiliated in recent years until now. In a recent statement, Lipman described Badenoch as “absolutely a truthful politician” and commended her ability to hold Labour leader Keir Starmer accountable. Lipman added that she admires Badenoch’s intelligence, thoughtfulness, and communication skills, signaling a significant shift in her voting intentions.
Meanwhile, Michael Pearson, the 4th Viscount Cowdray, at 82 years old, appears to have embarked on a new chapter in his personal life. Known for his high-profile relationships in his younger years—including with actress Minah Bird and Miranda Quarry, the ex-wife of Peter Sellers—Cowdray has reportedly begun dating Victoria Tennant, an actress and two-time Golden Globe and Emmy nominee.
Tennant, 75, who was previously married to American comedian Steve Martin, is said to have been slated to attend the Cowdray Gold Cup polo final alongside Cowdray on the Cowdray estate in West Sussex. However, both were absent due to unforeseen circumstances. A close acquaintance explained that Cowdray suffered a broken arm from a fall during the weekend, while Tennant fell ill, preventing the couple from making their public debut together at the event.
The relationship, although not confirmed by Cowdray himself, has been positively received among friends, suggesting a period of renewed stability for the aristocrat after recent personal challenges. In 2023, Cowdray’s second wife, Marina, left him after 37 years of marriage and five children, in what was reportedly described as an acrimonious split. Since then, Cowdray engaged in a high-profile friendship with Philippa Devas, an interior designer and psychotherapist, who is 17 years his junior. That relationship ultimately did not endure.
Victoria Tennant’s current marital status remains a subject of interest. Reports indicate she is still married to her third husband, US lawyer Kirk Stambler, with whom she has two children. Representatives for Stambler did not respond to inquiry.
As Dame Maureen Lipman aligns herself with Kemi Badenoch and Michael Pearson appears to seek happiness with Victoria Tennant, both figures reflect shifting personal and political dynamics ahead of the coming months.