Cameron invades 'socialist fortress'

David Cameron got a mixed reception when he brought his message of compassionate conservatism to the streets of a socialist fortress today.

The Tory leader was campaigning in Blaenau Gwent, South Wales, ahead of Westminster and Welsh Assembly By-elections on June 29.

Meanwhile Tory candidates Margrit Williams and Jon Burns will do well to retain their deposits.

But Mr Cameron was determined to make a good impression with shoppers in Ebbw Vale market, insisting there are no no-go areas for the Conservatives in Britain.

Nobody could quite remember when a Conservative leader was last seen in this valley.

A party spokesman said it was believed to be in the 1970s when Margaret Thatcher came to a Welsh Conservatives conference in Ebbw Vale.

"We can't think of any time more recent than that" he said.

One shopper asked "If we vote for you would we get another dose of Thatcherism?"

"I'm not Mrs Thatcher, I'm David Cameron," he replied.

"She did good in her time but the challenges are different now."

"Difficult decisions had to be made in the past, but look what's happened in the last few years. Steelworks went under a Labour government."

There was no shortage of people eager to shake Mr Cameron's hand, even if they were not willing to vote for him.

He told one shy passer-by: "I'm not after your wallet. I'm not Labour, I'm the other lot."

Before leaving Mr Cameron posed for photographs in front of a Gwent Gazette newspaper bill which said: "New Mayor quits Labour."

"Not Labour, that's a start". He said.

FULL REPORT HERE - icWales