David Cameron’s visit to Greater Manchester has gone extremely well. A packed hall in Bolton yesterday evening was followed by a Get Britain Working forum right here in Salford – with Salford Conservative leader Karen Garrido on the panel – and then the much-anticipated reader debate at the Manchester Evening News.
It’s a real measure of the openness and approachability of David Cameron that he is prepared to take unprompted questions from allcomers, and a huge contrast that with Gordon Brown’s stage-managed public appearances.
The local news coverage has focused on Cameron’s comments about public transport and the TIF bid, and from a Greater Manchester perspective his words are greatly reassuring. Conservatives have already committed to a huge investment in a high-speed rail link to Manchester and any commitment to mending Labour’s broken promises and congestion-charge blackmail over public transport in Greater Manchester is very welcome indeed.
Iain,
So you’re telling me anyone was allowed to turn up and ask a question? Anyone? If I’d have turned up, would I have been allowed to ask ‘approachable’ Dave a question?
I’m sure this event was as ’stage managed’ as any other – Labour or otherwise. By that I mean an invited audience, not necessarily all supporters or members, but hardly an open forum.
Perhaps Cllr Garrido should make a bid for leader; she appeared with a certain gravitas that Cameron seemed to lack on last night’s news.
Happy New Year,
Tom.
Happy New Year to you too Tom.
As far as I’m aware, the question selection was in the hands of the Manchester Evening News and the Conservative Party had little control over it. I’m sure David Ottewell, who sometimes passes by here, could elaborate further. I would be very surprised if the MEN would agree to the debate if Cameron’s staff were picking the questions!
I missed Karen on the news, which channel?
The event came about after I got chatting to a member of Cameron’s team about six months ago.
The editor was keen to go ahead and our preferred format – around 50 guests, invited by us – was agreed with Cameron’s people.
The selection of guests was entirely in our hands (although obviously they had to be proactive in asking to come).
Our only real criteria was that the question should be basically about the economy. That was the agreed topic for the debate.
There was absolutely no ‘weeding out’ according to political view, political affiliation, etc. etc. As always with these things, we hope for the widest selection of views possible.
Iain,
Fair dos if the MEN selected a random sample. Though I have known Gordon Brown, and even our very own Hazel, do similar unscripted Q&A’s with the public in the past.
I caught Karen on North West Tonight – she wasn’t speaking but cut a very distinguished figure next to the novice.
Tom.
Thanks David.
Naever got my invite! funny thing is i still remember when i called at the town hall to pick up my mail in my jeans trainers and combat jacket,no there not steves cast off’s,i opened the door wondering why the lone PCSO and Policeman where stood there.low and behold Kareen and Robin were behind the door looked at me with distain how was i suppose to know cameron was coming behind me. Well thats the story of why i never get invites to meet conservatives.
Joe,
I am shocked! If Dave only knew how supportive you were of the Salford Tories I’m sure you’d have been on the VIP guest list, regardless of dress sense.
Tom.
Expected that one Tom. Funny your Boss not tell you we had coffee and disussed my view on the topic. The trouble is Tom the Conservatives in the Town hall have allways given me a fair crack of the whip. Allways a smile quick chat. At the end of the year i will be fighting them and they will be fighting us. Trouble is Tom i am a realist they have a clone of Blair spin and little substance but he comes accross to the punters.Your guy not a chance.I think there will be a landslide. Your right Tom people have short memory.No Jobs Miners strikes.but we live in a democracy. I hope i am still around Bill Hinds said i was a disalousioned socialist taking up the left stance from Labour. You know i agree with his comments but i know who i am and i will keep up the fight as long as poss. My campaign starts today and if i were you i would attack the tories with everything you have because you are going to need it
Regards
Joe
Joe,
John has not mentioned your chat over coffee, I must ask him about it. Although I find it hard to believe he didn’t smile at you once during the conversation!
I usually have a lot of respect for Bill’s analysis, so if he says you’re a disillusioned socialist then I’ll have to take that for now. Does beg the question though, as a socialist, what on earth you’re doing as a Liberal councillor?
Your enthusiasm for a Tory agenda in Salford also still baffles me – even more so given your claim to be on the Left. No plans to join Iain’s campaign team for Worsley and Eccles South? For my part, I will continue to attack the Tories and Lib Dems in equal measure, as I disagree with both parties on most issues.
Tom.