Paul Bessell, the 74-year-old son of Liberal MP Peter Bessell, has become a TikTok sensation, amassing over three million views and around 200,000 followers in recent weeks. His newfound online fame is a direct result of the publication of his book, "Finding Dad," which chronicles his father's complex and often secret life.
Peter Bessell, who died in 1985, was a central figure in the 1979 trial of his friend, Liberal leader Jeremy Thorpe, who was charged with conspiracy to murder his former lover. The elder Bessell's testimony was crucial in the prosecution's case. Throughout his life, Peter Bessell was described in various, often contradictory, ways, including as a businessman, a fraudster, a womanizer, and a political operative allegedly linked to MI6, the CIA, or the FBI.
Paul Bessell's journey to TikTok stardom was not meticulously planned. While promoting his book, he and his 26-year-old daughter, Daisy, began posting short videos. Initially, these were intended to support the book's sales. The format evolved when they decided to create "Sign or Decline" videos, where Daisy would play songs Paul, a former music publisher who worked with artists like Billy Ocean, did not know, and he would have to decide whether to "sign" or "decline" them. This engaging content unexpectedly resonated with viewers, leading to the rapid growth of his TikTok following and attracting interest from corporations.
Paul Bessell's career in the music industry before his father's trial included securing a global deal with Billy Ocean and obtaining the UK rights for Billy Joel's "Just The Way You Are." The unexpected success on TikTok has been described as a new, remarkable chapter in the Bessell family story, with management now advising Paul and Daisy on their burgeoning online presence.