Andy Coulson: give Samantha Cameron bigger role for next election

 
BIRMINGHAM, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 10: British Prime Minister David Cameron walks with his wife Samantha to deliver his speech to delegates on the last day of the Conservative party conference in the International Convention Centre on October 9, 2012 in Birmingham, England. British Prime Minister David Cameron will deliver the final speech to close the annual, four-day Conservative party conference which featured speeches from Cabinet ministers and the Mayor of London.
Joseph Watts31 May 2013
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A former top aide to David Cameron has said the Prime Minister's wife Samantha could be the key to victory in the next election.

Andy Coulson said Mrs Cameron should be used to help the Conservatives win female votes and should also attend critical strategy meetings.

Mr Coulson, the Prime Minister’s Head of Communications until 2011, made the comments in an article in this month’s GQ Magazine.

“The time has now come for Sam to play a more public role and take some risks. She only joined the 2010 campaign once it formally kicked off,” he said.

“She should now be persuaded that the 2015 campaign is already underway and she’s badly needed in the trenches.”

Mr Coulson, former editor of the News Of The World, said the party should increase the number of public appearances the Prime Minister’s wife makes.

Mr Cameron’s image has suffered amongst women voters, particularly after he told a female MP to “calm down dear” in the House of Commons.

Mr Coulson went on: “Sam might also take a more active part behind the scenes. With the absence of so many original advisors, she is one of the few people able to see straight to the heart of a matter and offer a clear, sensible view.

“This will naturally steer clear of policy discussion but it shouldn’t stop her joining select small strategy meetings.

“There are few people in Number 10 with a better eye and she could play a key role in the winning back of female voters.”

Mr Coulson also said the Prime Minister should take more advice from Tory political advisors and less from top civil servants that critics say dominate his Downing Street team.

Meanwhile the former advisor, facing trial on charges related to phone hacking, said Mr Cameron should not be a “chicken” over televised debates in the run up to the next election.

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