Pre-Freudian slip
Peter Hoskin 3:02pm
Theresa May is chairing a discussion with a set of Conservative PPCs on 'job clubs', as part of this afternoon's focus on welfare reform. She kicks off asking one of the Tory PPCs on the panel, Maggie Throup, to talk about job clubs in her area: "So, Maggie, tell us about...". Problem is, May addresses her remarks at the wrong PPC, Suzy Davis. Mistake realised, she wheels round and puts the same question to the actual Maggie Throup. Not a good start.
It's picked up since. The welfare adviser David Freud, who jumped ship from Labour to the Tories, is now on stage. And he gets a cheer when he says "I've always been a Conservative.".
This is a significant time for Freud. One of the key announcements of the conference so far has effectively been an extension of his welfare agenda. But, as Fraser said on Monday, that's not enough. You suspect Freud realises this: I hear that he's quite receptive to IDS's recent proposals for a dynamic benefits system.
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Simon
October 7th, 2009 3:14pm Report this commentOh come on Peter. Mrs May gets a name wrong. This drivel is worthy of kevin Maquire on a bad day.
DavidDP
October 7th, 2009 3:16pm Report this commentI thing Grayling's idiocy will be making the running, not this.
Publius
October 7th, 2009 3:25pm Report this comment"I thing Grayling's idiocy will be making the running"
Actually, no, DavidDP. I think what will make the running is the refreshing change of hearing honest policy instead of the patronising Labour spin we have been subjected to all these years.
Colin
October 7th, 2009 3:45pm Report this commentIt's nothing, compared to Grayling's howler on Gen. Dannatt...
What a t*sser.
Dorothy Wilson
October 7th, 2009 3:50pm Report this commentFor goodness sake! Anyone who has had a job or held office involving chairing a meeting or making a speech in public has, on occasion, made a mistake. Such a mistake only becomes serious when the person making it blunders and blusters. The best thing to do is apologise with a smile and then get on with the job in hand.
James
October 7th, 2009 4:00pm Report this commentErrr.... we all make mistakes. She didn't say 'let's all eat babies for breakfast'.
Issues please.
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