Travelled over to Delyn, the prospective seat of our excellent candidate Antoinette Sandbach, yesterday, where David Cameron was visiting Holywell’s Tesco store. I was astonished to be greeted by Tesco’s chief executive, Sir Terry Leahy, who was, as might be expected, a most impressive, switched-on individual, but also a thoroughly nice guy.
David’s plane from Newquay had been delayed, so I spent a lot of time speaking to the Tesco staff who had stayed behind after the store’s closing time to meet him. I also enjoyed the incongruous sight of a major press operation in the fruit and veg department, with cameramen jostling for the best position.
David finally arrived, accompanied by Samantha, and went off for a fifteen minute conversation with Sir Terry. He then returned to fruit and veg and fielded half a dozen or so unprepared questions from staff members on issues as diverse as education maintenance allowance and the conditions experienced by our troops in Afghanistan.
It was an interesting experience, not least because it gave me the opportunity to observe the press pack at close quarters. Most of them looked as harassed as the politicians.
I understand that Gordon Brown visited a Tesco yesterday, too – the store in Hammersmith, where he was accompanied by Prunella Scales, who used to appear in the company’s TV ads.
This close to polling day, in politics, as in grocery, every little helps.
Every little does indeed help. Considering that we are on the run up to the the most signifigant election since 1979., I’m surprised by the lack of comment on this site.
Are you preaching to the already converted, or is this an indication of widespread apathy David ? Do other Conservatives exist in space I wonder ?
Thousands of under 40′s will have little or no recollection of the last mess Labour landed us with. Do they understand how important this election is for the country ?
David, we might not agree on a few things – Liverpool FC’s greatness excepted – but I wish you well on Thursday, even if I might not extend those wishes to your entire party.
Grudging, I know, but as you say, every little helps.