A media personality and former MP has appeared as a public speaker at a village outbuilding gala.

Former politician-turned broadcaster, Gyles Brandreth, took to the stage at Iwade Barn in Sittingbourne.

The 75-year-old, who was born in Germany, was speaking to about 40 members of the Sittingbourne and Sheppey Conservative Association - including its current MP Gordon Henderson – on Sunday.

Brandreth himself was elected as a Tory MP for the City of Chester constituency back in 1992.

He remained in the role until 1997 before going on to become a writer, producer and television presenter and panellist.

As well as appearing on Good Morning Britain and popular shows like Celebrity Gogglebox, Pointless and Have I Got News for You, Brandreth is known for his quirky and extravagant jumpers.

One of the attendees at the gala was the party’s deputy leader for Swale, James Hunt.

The representative for The Meads ward said: “Gyles spoke about his time as an MP, the royal family and woolly jumpers - and lots more in between.

“He also spent time chatting to association members, along with his wife and daughter, Aphra, who is the deputy chairman of the Conservative Women's Organisation.

“It was a fundraiser for the association, which we have at various times throughout the year, with guest speakers giving their time to support us.

“The members were specifically there to see Gyles.

“The best part was how down to earth Gyles and his family are, and how they just casually chatted to everyone like they had come along to a family get-together.”

The TV star has also been in the county for his new tour “Can’t Stop Talking”.

He will be visiting venues in Canterbury, Chatham and Tunbridge Wells where he will be discussing his life story with fans.

It is likely to include tales of his study of Modern History and Modern Languages at Oxford University in the 1960s.

As well as becoming an MP, Brandreth also became a Whip and Lord Commissioner of the Treasury, during John Major’s government, from 1996 to 1997.

Meanwhile his writing career has included seven murder mystery novels and a biography of Queen Elizabeth II.