One of the more amusing things about this election is that Conservative Central Office appear to have registered me as a Tory supporter, How this has happened I do not know but as a result nearly every day I receive a Dear David billet-doux from Theresa May, Boris Johnson, Amber Rudd and Patrick McLoughlin telling me what line to take against Jeremy Corbyn.
They were especially active when Theresa May and Jeremy Corbyn were facing separate Paxman interviews – with five lines to take – emphasising Corbyn’s support for the IRA .
But in the last week it is clear that the Tories have gone back to basics and even after the Manchester terrorist attack – are now trying to get a big majority on Theresa May’s stance over Brexit.
As this letter shows:
Dear David,
I’m excited about the future.
If we make a success of Brexit, there are great opportunities ahead.
My plan for Brexit will return control to Britain – and help us shape a brighter, fairer future for our country.
But David, I need every Conservative supporter to get behind my plan to make Brexit work.
So please join our team speaking to voters around the country by signing up to make calls today.
As we approach the final week of this campaign, it’s crucial that everybody remembers this fact: Britain is about to enter into the most important negotiations of my lifetime.
Brexit negotiations are set to begin just eleven days after polling day. And the European Union is already adopting an aggressive negotiating position.
That’s why Britain needs a strong government and a strong Prime Minister capable of standing up to Brussels.
Your support is more important now than ever. Because every vote for me in this election will strengthen my hand in the negotiations that are about to start.
Thank you for your support
Theresa May
Prime Minister and Leader of the Conservative Party
If you click on the link you will find three choices – join a phone bank, go to Conservative Central Office ( you get a special rousing address from Boris if you do) or make the calls under Tory guidance from your own home. Fascinating to know how many people have received calls in the last few days – and whether this appeal has been launched because the Tories have not had enough support from members to do the work despite overflowing with cash donations.
On polling day Theresa has asked me to have a plan on how I am going to vote – suggesting I might go with the family, friends and neighbours to stop Jeremy Corbyn Diane Abbott and John McDonnell going into government.
As she says here:
Dear David,
Today I’m asking you to do one crucial thing: make a plan to vote.
If the Conservatives lose just 6 seats next Thursday, we will lose our majority: and Jeremy Corbyn will be in charge of Brexit, Diane Abbott our national security and John McDonnell our economy.
There is so much at stake David – and I need your support.
And then forward this email on to every Conservative supporter you know, so they can make a plan to vote too.
Thank you for your support,
Theresa May
Prime Minister and Leader of the Conservative Party
What this does show is that even on polling day – who goes out to vote will be absolutely crucial to the result – and the Tories are planning to monitor their supporters to make sure they have voted. Interesting times and a challenge for Labour.