This isn’t being broadcast by the Tories but I know that a large number of candidates – I’m told it’s no fewer than fifty – are gathering this afternoon to pose for photographs with the Conservative leader in London. The idea is to refresh candidates’ campaign literature ahead of the general election (some already have pics of themselves with David Cameron but need new ones).
On the one hand this shows how popular “Dave” is with the candidates and with the public. Labour MPs and PPCs aren’t rushing to put Gordon Brown’s grizzled head on their mailshots.
Yet it also points to the potential over-dependence of the Tories on their charismatic leader, with this month’s poster campaign featuring his face alone. I asked one PPC which other members of the shadow cabinet he would like on his leaflets: The answer; none spring to mind.
Jim Pickard
Kiran Stacey