David Cameron is an average speech-maker and campaigner but he really comes to life in single combat, he likes to dominate and control interviews whilst occasionally flashing his jokey, human side. His personal speciality is Prime Minister's Questions, the weekly Westminster bloodsport.
He learnt his trade as adviser to a number of Tory leaders then let loose his talent on Tony Blair and Gordon Brown when he ascended to Leader of the Opposition. He was particularly successful against the monolithic Brown whom he teased, angered, embarrassed and humiliated with a sharp wit and pre-planned attacks, silencing the ranks of Labour MPs and encouraging the idea that Brown was a short-tempered bully. Brown victories in the chamber were rare and he was noted for injudicious statements that came back to bite him, such as his infamous 'bringing an end to boom and bust' just prior to the financial crisis. PMQs became Cameron's ground.
When Harriet Harman took temporary charge for Labour, Cameron was befuddled by her po-faced, analytical style. Perhaps he felt awkward facing a woman. He needed someone who would blunder into the traps he carefully prepared, not skilfully avoid them. Ed Miliband initially replicated this questioning style. The chamber fell quiet and again Cameron struggled to find an angle of attack. However he learnt quickly and went on the offensive with name-calling and triumphant domination of the agenda. Miliband became more emotive, to try and whip-up his own side, with mixed results. His performances being portrayed as poorly scripted, novice efforts by Cameron. Cameron scored well with Miliband also doing well at times. However this is the focus of the week for the opposition and only victories will do.
Miliband learnt from Tony Blair's performances in opposition, becoming more strident; confidently setting his agenda. Cameron attempted to emulate Thatcher and to an extent Prime Minister Blair by dismissing the opposition and belittling their politics. Both Blair and Thatcher had crushing majorities to back them up but Cameron only has sombre Lib Dems and uneasy backbenchers, unsure of his right-wing credentials.
Miliband has started to edge ahead. Ed Balls heckles the Prime Minister while George Osborne feeds Cameron lines, occasionally even delivering them himself! Nick Clegg tends to sit disinterestedly, occasionally solemnly nodding.
At yesterday's PMQs, 11th May 2011, Miliband completely trounced Cameron by focussing on the NHS reforms. Cameron had no answers and was portrayed as an out-of-date public school bully, Flashman, when he appeared het-up. Seeing Cameron struggle was a delight for Labour. Cameron turned to his backbenchers for support but found none: stunned silence. The first outright victory at PMQs for Labour, perhaps since Blair last led them.
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