The leaders of Britain’ political parties were out in force yesterday seeking support from the electorate. Whilst Nick Griffin tried to curry favour with locals in Bradford and UKIP’s Lord Pearson sipped cappuccino with Eurotunnel workers, Prime Minister, Gordon Brown visited the South Coast to meet Labour Party workers in their three key Brighton constituencies.
Resplendent in a cerise tie, Mr Brown shook hands with activists and gave a brief address followed by a question and answer session intended to demonstrate the Prime Minister’s firm support for the local community.
In answer to a question asking if Labour should promote positive discrimination towards gay or lesbian candidates, Mr Brown started awkwardly by talking about the role that Lord Mandelson played at the very seat of Government.
“I’ve always had a soft spot for Peter, here.” said Mr Brown waving a limpish wrist in the general direction of the Business Secretary, before adding hastily, “Of course I love my wife, Sarah, very deeply.” Then, realising he may have over compensated, the Prime Minister tried to joke “and anyway, Peter would be insanely jealous if we employed too many gays.”
Mr Brown left conference centre hand in hand with Lord Mandelson. Later, local party member Jase Hollis played down Mr Brown’s awkwardness “It’s not a big deal” he said “It happens. Gordon was nervous. Everyone can backfire now and again.”
Elsewhere on the hustings, David Cameron visited 78 year old Mable Kipling at her Torquay bungalow for the third time this month. Speaking to press afterwards, the Tory leader denied reports that he was trying to suck up to the grey vote. “Mable and I are old friends from way back. I’ve known her since, well, since the start of the election campaign. I have now met several old people and now believe they have a lot more to offer than just a jolly nice tea and exceedingly good home made cakes.”
Meanwhile Liberal Democrat leader, Nick Clegg continued his affair with the public by flirting with several million floating voters. Mr Clegg kept it simple and wooed the electorate by just grinning boyishly at the camera, which was all that Mr Brown was really trying to do earlier in Brighton.