Politically divided couples are nothing new
Several observations on Ed Vaizey's apparent gaffe on tonight's Channel 4 programme, Cameron Uncovered, about David Cameron, in which he apparently says that Samantha Cameron may have voted Labour in 1997, and may even contemplate voting for Gordon Brown this time.
Both suggestions have been strenuously denied by Conservative HQ.
First, I was always under the impression that Samantha had not always been a rock-solid Conservative voter, and colleagues concur with this.
In any case why are the Conservatives complaining so vehemently about the suggestion that Samantha voted Labour in 1997?
OK, it may not be true, but surely getting Labour's 1997 voters to switch to them is what the Conservatives should be all about at the moment, and what better than for Mrs Cameron to be a prime example.
Split couples are nothing new in British politics. There are the Bercows, John and Sally, of course. And after the former Conservative MP Robert Jackson switched to Labour in 2005, his wife Caroline remained a Conservative MEP for another four years.
And the former Tory MP Robin Squire was married to a Labour activist.
Clement Attlee's wife Violet, who famously drove him around during election campaigns, was always known to be a life-long Conservative voter. But it didn't seem to do her husband much harm - indeed it may have helped Labour win over wavering Conservatives.
Some years ago I was told that in 1996, only a few months before she got engaged to William Hague, Ffion Jenkins was approached about becoming the Lib Dem candidate in Montgomeryshire (a Lib Dem seat), and she thought about the proposition for several days.
Lib Dems in Montgomeryshire had approached Ffion because the Jenkinses were a well-known Welsh Liberal family.
Meanwhile, his comments can't have done anything to reverse the apparent downward path of Mr Vaizey's political career.
Four years ago he was thought to be one of the original Cameroons, a rising star whose elevation to the Shadow Cabinet was only a matter of time.
Since then he largely seems to have disappeared, and to have lost favour with his leader, even before his Channel 4 comments.
Some colleagues say he's too laid back. But I'm told there's another explanation too. If anyone can enlighten me, I'd love to know.
I'm Michael Crick, and I'm Newsnight's political editor. My guiding rule is that in any story there's usually something the politicians would prefer the world not to know. My job is to find that out. Follow me on
Comment number 1.
At 8th Mar 2010, Phillip wrote:Samantha Cameron may have indeed voted Labour in 1997.
However, I think it is mischief making to suggest she is contemplating voting for Brown
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Comment number 2.
At 8th Mar 2010, stanilic wrote:Why does this news leave me quite indifferent? Possibly because it is nothing more than idle gossip. One is left asking: so what?
I don't agree with my wife on politics, the monarchy, soap operas, vaccuum-cleaning and washing-up, but we get by. I expect most households are much the same.
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Comment number 3.
At 8th Mar 2010, JunkkMale wrote:'may even contemplate voting for Gordon Brown this time.'
Whilst I have no real clue to my wife's voting intentions, we do share all family responsibilities and concerns.
She may or may well not favour the Conservatives (as time progresses I can't say I would blame her), but after the last 13 years it would be unlikely that much might possess her to vote for any party with Labour's record, especially one lead by Mr. Brown.
Hence I am intrigued as to how a ³ÉÈËÂÛ̳ journalist could presume to write the above and develop a piece based on... er... what again beyond 'impressions' confirmed by 'colleagues'? Of the spouse of a man whose career depends on every vote he can get to support his career... and family.
If this is what we are to expect by way of political 'reporting' in the next few months, in complement to the spiralling standard of political competence from near all quarters daily, then heaven help us.
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Comment number 4.
At 8th Mar 2010, stevie wrote:so she voted Labour in 97...didn't everyone? That'll teach us!
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Comment number 5.
At 9th Mar 2010, Paul-Clifford wrote:Michael,
Yet again a piece of outstanding searing political analysis.
I do hope this can be kept up for the next few months and your form doesn't decline.
Informative, value adding, insightful, thought provoking, relevant and crucial.
My thanks,
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Comment number 6.
At 9th Mar 2010, Nash wrote:Having seen the Channel 4 programme, Vaizey was talking about women in their thirties who probably voted for Tony Blair at previous elections and the need for the Tories to win those people in 2010. Sam Cameron was mentioned as being a member of that cohort.
It was mischievous of The Mail and Michael Crick to suggest that Sam Cameron DID vote Labour.
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Comment number 7.
At 10th Mar 2010, JunkkMale wrote:6. At 10:26pm on 09 Mar 2010, Nash
So this thing not only had no basis in fact, but what there was was actually twisted to fit?
It was mischievous of The Mail and Michael Crick to suggest that Sam Cameron DID vote Labour.
Interesting 'journalisitic' bedfellows. Wonder who is the prouder of the association.
I can see now why I have never paid (or had to pay) for the Mail.
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Comment number 8.
At 11th Mar 2010, balancedthought wrote:Ed Vaizeys downward path - because he is dim - they all recognise themselves in him and think lets get rid of him.
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