Liberal Democrat running for office in by-election raises eyebrows after daring to bare all on Channel 4's Naked Attraction
It's rare to get the naked truth from politicians - but Connor Rouse could change all that.
The 28-year-old, who is standing in a Norfolk by-election next month, once appeared on Channel 4 dating show Naked Attraction.
The controversial programme has a contestant choose a partner from a group of brave people who expose parts of their naked bodies, with their faces hidden.
Mr Rouse took part in the series in 2023 but finished runner-up.
The very Liberal Democrat, who is contesting a by-election for a seat on North Norfolk District Council in his home town of Holt, has been maintaining professional composure while out on the stump in the upmarket seaside town with North Norfolk Lib Dem MP Steff Aquarone.
And he has refused to address the public undressing, sticking to local politics when questioned about it.
But there have been titters in the community about his naked ambition, with one online commentator dismissing him as 'the chap who got his twig and giggle berries out on the TV'.
Other locals have expressed astonishment, with local Peter Bone saying: 'Could I take him seriously as a councillor? Well, it depends on where I was looking.'
Connor Rouse bared all on Channel 4's controversial dating programme Naked Attraction
Jack Horwood, 93, who has lived in Holt for 28 years, added: 'Anything seems to go these days. I don't agree with it, I am too old to do anything about it, and it is crazy.
'You can't take him seriously. Who on earth could take him seriously, standing naked on television for the whole world to see.'
Chris Branch, a resident of Halifax in West Yorkshire who was visiting the town, said: 'It is very bizarre but it is a sign of where things are going. It is like Andy Warhol's 15 minutes of fame.
'People who might say that Naked Attraction is a joke... well, politics is becoming more of a joke than ever now.'
Mr Rouse, a care home housekeeper, avoided discussing his appearance.
He said in a statement: 'Holt's my home town. It's a beautiful place to live, but that doesn't mean it can't be even better.
'As Holt's next councillor, I'll fight hard to ensure the new primary school gets built without delay.
'The county Conservatives have let us down badly by breaking their promise to build us a much-needed new, modern primary school.
Mr Rouse, 28, appeared on the programme in 2023. He made it to the last two but ended up runner-up
'I'll also campaign for safety improvements along the dangerous A148, and work with Steff Aquarone MP to ensure first-class health services are within easy reach for local people.'
Fellow Lib Dems are backing Mr Rouse, with Mr Aquarone saying: 'I've known Connor a while and I know he'd make an excellent councillor for Holt. He has my full backing.
'Only Connor will push to get the new primary school built after years of Tory delay and excuses.
'Only Connor will secure safety improvements along the A148 after years of inaction by the Tories at County Hall.
'Only Connor will stand up for Holt and make it an even better place to live.'
The programme first aired in 2016 and has attracted hundreds of complaints to Ofcom. Channel 4 announced the show was ending last month
Naked ambition: Mr Rouse shed his clothes for the racy dating programme before throwing his hat into the ring for local politics
North Norfolk District Council Lib Dem leader Tim Adams added: 'Connor can speak for himself but from what I know he is a man who has set himself a lot of different challenges in his life and this [by-election] could be another one of those which he has taken on.'
Martin Batey, who is already a Lib Dem councillor for Holt, defended Mr Rouse when the 'giggle berries' comment emerged online, responding: 'What's the problem with that? It's all down to personal choice. He did nothing wrong.
Connor Rouse with Lib Dem North Norfolk MP Steff Aquarone (left)
'It takes a lot of guts to do something like that, if you ask me. It shows he is not afraid to show who he is as a person.'
Last month, it emerged Channel 4 was shelving Naked Attraction after nine years. the programme, hosted by Anna Richardson, had triggered hundreds of complaints to Ofcom.
The by-election, which will take place on May 1, was triggered by the resignation of Conservative councillor Eric Vardy.
The council is controlled by the Lib Dems, who have 25 of the 40 councillors. There are 13 Conservatives and two independents at present.
