Pleased to have contributed to PR Week article.
Stuart Thomson, head of public affairs, government and infrastructure at Bircham Dyson Bell, said the incident shows Leadsom is “out of her depth”, but he suggests the approach could end up working in her favour.
“The comments were cringeworthy and completely out of step with where society is. But that has to be her strength in the campaign over the coming months. It is important to remember the profile of this electorate (the Tory Party membership) and what they want. A non-PC, anti-establishment, ‘they are all out to get me’ approach will appeal to them. It has worked in several elections recently.
“If Leadsom can tie May to David Cameron, who has long been viewed with suspicion and antipathy by party members, then her situation is far from terminal. It was no mistake that she focused on gay marriage and fox hunting early on – she obviously knows how to speak to that constituency.”