Cameron slams “despicable” Labour campaign
By Alex Stevenson
David Cameron launched a scathing attack against Labour’s by-election tactics after Conservative Chloe Smith took the seat, dismissing the campaign as “utterly despicable”.
Speaking from a soap-box in the constituency after the 16.9 per cent swing from Labour to the Tories was revealed this lunchtime, Mr Cameron accused Labour of telling “untruth after untruth” against the Tories.
“Saying we were looking at scrapping free pensioners’ TV licences. that is not true. Saying we were scrapping the pension credit – that is not true,” he told the crowd.
He said Gordon Brown’s “courage” and “moral compass” had deserted him as he criticised the prime minister for not campaigning. The Tory leader visited Norwich North six times during the campaign.
By contrast Mr Cameron was full of praise for Ms Smith, who he said had fought the campaign “in a positive way.
“She has been a credit to the Conservative party. She is exactly the sort of member or parliament I want to see in the Conservative party,” he added.
Ms Smith accepted the compliments by repeating the pledges of accountability, honesty and transparency which dominated her campaign rhetoric.
“This is about new politics,” she said.
“This is about getting down to it, being honest, being straight and being held to that. If I can be a very very good constituency MP, people can continue to put their trust in me.”
Mr Cameron remained upbeat as he preached to Labour about what happens “if you try to scare people”.
“I hope Labour take a lesson from this campaign,” he said.
“If you make these appalling claims it doesn’t do any damage to them, it does huge damage to you.”
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