Patricia Hewitt accuses David Cameron of exploiting his son

The Independent on Sunday has an interview with Health Secretary Patricia Hewitt.  She is clearly unhappy at the way she thinks David Cameron 'used' his disabled son Ivan to substantiate his commitment to the NHS:

"Of course he's got deep personal experience of the NHS because of his child but it's dangerous territory, I think, for politicians to be talking too much about their own family experience... There are many members of the House of Commons who have very extensive personal experience of the NHS - the Chancellor, for one."

Mr Cameron is certainly comfortable talking about how his son has impacted his politics.  Mr Cameron's ease in this area is very tricky for Labour to complain about, however.  Who can forget the newly-elected Tony Blair going to church with all of his 'Galaxy car family' and that famous Downing Street photo opportunity with a mug in hand and his family's photo on it?

Ms Hewitt also used the interview to criticise Tory policy on smoking:

"[David Cameron] talks about the Government needing to take the lead on matters of public health and yet, apparently, he is not himself in favour of the ban on smoking."

Mr Cameron is currently trying to give up smoking.

Comments

[R UK]

Nice to hear Hewitt squawking meaninglessly.

The message about health, family and love is the same for all humans, Patricia. When you try to express it, though you sound a little peeved that someone other than Gordon has a claim to understand the eternal truths. It's really not very charming.

We all hope Gordon is as happy as can be expected, and that you can rally round when he next has a sulking session.

But be a darling, allow Cameron to express his love for his baby son. The world needs someone who can express our common humanity right now, and the country is lucky to have Cameron as its future leader. Is there a little part in your heart that feels it too? I hope so.

[Frank Young]

I'm disappointed in this comment from Patricia Hewitt and in the spirit of consensus I’m prepared to accept that she was trying to make a valid point about politicians "using" family to illustrate a policy point. I too think it is "dangerous" territory, quite clearly open to abuse. However we must be pragmatic and take it on a case by case basis and trust politicians to use propriety.

Here I think Cameron has given use an interesting insight into his political motivations and his background helping use to understand more about a man who would be Prime Minister.

[Mike Smith]

Actually Cameron has repeatedly and shamelessly used his disabled son as a publicity prop.

Not just my opinion; the view of several Tories I have spoken to on the issue, not to mention a small army of non-Tories.

Any 'normal' citizen would have no time to play politics with a seriously disabled child on his hands, but for the privileged Eton-educated son of a multi-millionaire such obstacles are a mere bagatelle.

Patricia Hewitt is spot on.

[Mark Fulford]

The people who are uncomfortable with Cameron on this issue are generally the ones who don't like him anyway. I am generally uncomfortable with politicians making any reference to their family but was surprised (during a binge drinking session on Friday) when non-political friends not only brought the conversation on to politics, but agreed they were swayed towards Cameron because of his experience with his son.

The implication of Mike Smith's comments is that anyone with a disabled child should consider their career curtailed - pretty much what we'd expect from a far-right dinosaur.

[Frank Young]

It's important for non-party members to be able to understand the human being who is asking for their vote and for politicians to appear like human beings.

They naturally want someone whose instincts are near to there own. We can all tell when a politician is using his family in a distasteful way. We should trust that politicians will act responsibly here while giving us interesting insights into what makes them the person they are.

Hewitt shouldn't be criticised, i'm sure that somebody of her standing was only trying to make a serious point and not looking to make a personal jibe.

[Mike Smith]

The implication of Mike Smith's comments is that anyone with a disabled child should consider their career curtailed

The implication was that for the vast majority of the populace a disabled child would indeed curtail career prospects.

Very different, however, for the rich, privileged, and pampered few, Eton Dave included.

Possibly 'Dave' should adopt the late Huey Long's election slogan 'Every man a millionaire'?

It might win one election...

...once.

[Andrew Woodman]

I've always thought Hewitt was a dreadful woman and this goes to prove it further. Cameron has a disabled son. In days gone by, this would have been hidden. What the public want is politicians they can relate too. Most politicians thinking is shaped by experience and Cameron has a lot of experience of the NHS, so why shouldn't he talk about it. Those who criticise him are either being opportunistic or just don't like his modernising agenda.

[Ed R]

I know what it's like to have a severely disabled child in the family. Cameron WILL know much more about the NHS through Ivan than Blair ever could through Leo or his other children. He will be faced with the most smug and vindictive of bureaucrats as well as the most helpful and genuinely decent people. Of course, because of who he (now) is, he'll probably be spared the worst of that, but at least he's able to speak from some experience -- and to represent a large number of parents and carers in similar positions who don't have time to speak out because they're too busy fighting for every bit of support they can get. If Hewitt was serious about getting the NHS sorted out, she'd be saying: "I understand where DC is coming from, and for people in his position we're going to start doing X, Y and Z". But she can't even manage that.

(I do agree with her on the smoking ban though. I'm pretty libertarian on most issues and in this case I'm no different: my right to breathe clean air trumps others' right to contaminate enclosed spaces with their toxic fumes. The number of times at football matches or similar where I've been caught downwind of smokers. Makes life a misery. Some of them hardly inhale, they just light it and hold it in their hands for a bit -- inevitably so the smoke drifts away from them. The sooner this foul habit is banned in public places, the better.)

[Mike Smith]

Cameron has a lot of experience of the NHS, so why shouldn't he talk about it

Because he's involving a third party whose view on the matter has never been consulted, and never will be.

The misty photo-op of Cameron cuddling the child says it all.

It is a carefully-crafted message - not of compassion - but of rampant opportunism.

But naturally no dyed-in-the-wool Cameroon will ever admit it.

[Andrew Woodman]

I agree Ed. Also about the smoking ban. I have crohns disease and every time I go out for an evening, I can usually guarantee stomach pains when I get home bought on from other peoples second hand smoke.

[Andrew Woodman]

I suppose a carers opinion is worthless as well then Mike if the third party can't be consulted.

[Frank Young]

I spent some time in my Gap year working as a carer and hope that the reformed party under Cameron really speaks out for these often forgotten heroes.

I met people who had dedicated their lives to supporting others who were desperately ill or incapacitated.

[Jaz]

Cameron has a right to talk about his own children... Its disgusts me to think that people think negatively of Camerons experiences with the NHS.

[Mike Smith]

I suppose a carers opinion is worthless as well then Mike if the third party can't be consulted.

Absolutely, Andrew.

[Mark Fulford]

The implication was that for the vast majority of the populace a disabled child would indeed curtail career prospects. Very different, however, for the rich, privileged, and pampered few, Eton Dave included.

It is a personal choice and rarely a financial one. You’re just gleefully turning supposition into a stick. Tell me, are you pleased to have a Labour MP in Portsmouth North?

[Andrew Woodman]

Carers opinions are worthless then Mike. I'm so glad you are in UKIP.

[Chad]

Mike detests Cameron, regularly calling him 'scum' as part of his declared mission to destroy the Tories wih his Monday Club spin off, the CDA.

Mike's tasteless reference to Cameron's son as a 'mental defective' was at least critcised by other posters on the ukip forum.

We know why Mike is hanging around here, and it is not to help the Tories.

[Daniel Vince-Archer]

While I wouldn't go as far as Mike Smith, I have to say I can't really object to Patricia Hewitt's comments. (And it's not very often I can say that!)

I have every sympathy for David Cameron over his difficult family circumstances, but to try and make political capital out of it is rather distasteful.

He would do well to follow the example of Gordon Brown and the dignified manner in which he conducted himself following the death of his baby without seeking to exploit the situation for personal sympathy and political gain.

[Peter Franklin]

I'm glad that disabled children are shown to the world, not hidden away. Most voters like to know something about their politicians' family lives -- and why not?

The fact that the Cameron family have more resources to cope with immense challenges of caring for a severely disabled child than many other families only emphasises the need for greater public spending in those areas of genuine need where a preventative approach is not possible.

So how about we try to think and say the best about people, instead of making unpleasant accusations?

[Frank Young]

I don't think he's exploited his son but illustrated how he has come to the views he has about the health and social services, giving people a chance to see the tory party in a more empathetic light. I think it's important that the Conservative party champions the cause of health and social professionals, showing support and compassion for the service they offer and the challenges they face.

Sometimes we give the impression that the public sector is just something we haven't got round to privatising yet, rather than a vital part of our shared commitment to social policy and well being.

I’ve already said that Hewitt has made a useful and valid point.

[Frank Young]

agreed Peter.

[Daniel Vince-Archer]

"I'm glad that disabled children are shown to the world, not hidden away. Most voters like to know something about their politicians' family lives -- and why not?"

I'm not saying that disabled children should be hidden away from the world but I don't think they should be used as a political football either, and the frequency with which Cameron and his associates play the 'disabled son' card lends credence to the view that they are doing just that.

[Mike Smith]

Tell me, are you pleased to have a Labour MP in Portsmouth North?

She's an excellent and hard-working local MP Mark, and I would be as delighted to have her as my MP as I was for many years to have the splendid Lib Dem MP Mike Hancock as my representative.

Hancock helped me personally on a number of occasions including my experiences with the NHS during the long and difficult period of my mother's final illness, something which I now gather I should have detailed at length on my election manifesto.

And indeed I'm also delighted to have Cameron-supporting Tory Mark Hoban, (whom I actually helped select) as my present MP. I judge an individual by his/her personal qualities rather than party allegiances.

However, I must admit that my Tory opponenent Penny Mordaunt would have won hands-down if stunning good looks had been the criterion.

In the interests of artistic excellence perhaps that should indeed be the yardstick. It would certainly improve the Tories' female/male balance.

[Chad]

Supporters will note that Cameron is making positive use of his real experience to show how important the NHS is, critics and those with an opposing agenda will call it shameless.

However, please remember that disability is not an issue that Cameron has just picked up to win votes, in fact, Cameron has long been using his personal experience help the disabled, long, long, before he showed up in the public consciousness.

Remember, Cameron won the ePolitix.com Charity Champion 2004 award for campaigning on disability issues. This is an issue that he is close to, so no wonder, he is continuing to work positively to promote the cause.

[Hope Nott]

Chad is right. A long time ago, I remember reading about an obscure Tory MP whom I had never heard of, who was campaigning to keep a special needs school open, based on his experience of the importance of small class sizes and dedicated support for such children. He was, of course, David Cameron, but that was a long time before anyone imagined we'd have had the leadership election of last year.

I'm in two minds about MIke Smith - everything he posts is so unpleasant, would it be better if we just ignored it? Or do we have a duty as decent Tories to respond everytime this UKIP loser posts something disgusting? What do others think?

[Frank Young]

Focus on the main issue of the thread.

[Chad]

>>Or do we have a duty as decent Tories to respond everytime this UKIP loser posts something disgusting?

I agree with Frank, as Mike is focussed on disrupting threads. His more disgusting comments are deleted as he has been loudly complaining about on the ukip forum.

[Justin Hinchcliffe]

Hewitt always was a nasty, spiteful cow. Ditto Dawn Primarolo, Ann Taylor, Anne Campbell and Hillary Armstrong.

David Cameron talks about the NHS because he and his family are deeply connected to it. New Labour is descending into gutter and personalised politics - following the lead of UKIP and the Dim Lebs.

[john eb good]

I too have a disabled child and last election our labour mp hit out at tory lack of provision of care. David is showing we do care and putting personal back into politics.I am in politics because of personal experience, my own and others, I am not however old etonian or aristocratic but believe in a true equality and freedom the conservatives offer.

[Elena]

Oh, Hewitt. I don't often listen to what she's saying because I have to scramble for the volume control whenever she appears on television.

I can understand the 'exploitation' point but I don't think it's justified here. Cameron has pointed out that he has, allegedly, learned the value of the NHS through being the father of a disabled son. Although it's personal experience, surely it's relevant? At least he has given a reason to support his views for once!

[R UK]

Mike Smith would presumably order the closure of Eton College, and make the hiring of nannies illegal?

Presumably he has no direct experience of nannies or Eton College? If he did he would no doubt hold different views.

I am always suspicious of strongly held aggressive views based on what exactly - prejudice?

Cameron does have direct experience of both the above, and much use of the NHS. Having a disabled son is an important part of his world view. It's quite intelligent to communicate to others what you believe to be important if you are a leader. Unless you prefer him to pretend to be someone else.

Often it is best when listening to someone to first believe that what they are saying is genuine, and only second be suspicious of dubious motives.

With Hewitt, I see someone angry to be losing suport to Cameron. With Cameron I see someone telling me what he thinks about his son and the NHS. With Smith I see not very intelligent views based on prejudice about Cameron's upbringing...all straight from the horses' mouths.

[Mike Smith]

Presumably he has no direct experience of nannies or Eton College? If he did he would no doubt hold different views.

Fraid I don't R-UK. Are we to assume that you do?

As a public schoolboy myself I have no particular axe to grind against Eton College, but the Tory Party's longstanding domination by the 'Eton Mafia' is a matter which raises justifiable public concern.

And on another thread I'm still waiting for you to substantiate your claim that Lord Tebbit ever said 'On yer bike!'

Or otherwise, possibly, to withdraw that disgraceful slur on the reputation of a great statesman.

[James Maskell]

Mike Smith, Norman Tebbit said "Get on yer bike". He was talking about unemployment. Maybe you should consider saying sorry for being mistaken.

[James Hellyer]

No he didn't. What he actually said was:

"I grew up in the 1930s with an unemployed father. He did not riot. He got on his bike and looked for work, and he went on looking until he found it."

Tebbit is often misquoted as saying directly to the unemployed "get on your bike and look for work".

[Richard]

Cameron may not intend to use his child for political purposes but that's the way it seems to come across. Maybe I'm just getting too cynical these days. What is certain is that if he does it too often, many people undoubtedly will perceive it that way.

[malcolm]

I think the interview Patricia Hewitt gave says far more her than it does about Cameron.It merely confirmed my impression of her as a rather nasty,patronising bitch who has probably started to realise that her time in the sun is passing.I'm in politics primarily to get people like this out of power.
On a lighter note good luck to DC with giving up smoking.It's definitely the harding thing I've tried to do.(No cigars since Dec 31st)

[R UK]

Mike Smith is quite right that Tebbit is frequently 'intentionally' misquoted and wrongly labelled. James Hellyer gives the correct version.

What I'm trying to get across (however incompetently), apart from great admiration for Tebbit, is that Cameron will not say things that can be misrepresented as 'on yer bike' type comments.

Cameron's position owes much to the likes of Tebbit, who has always shown willing to keep fighting when all others are silenced. But Cameron has to adapt to the times now, and should not be criticised for doing so.

I was once invited to take part in a SKY TV programme with Norman Tebbit, but declined the honour, as they refused to say who a third other politician present was going to be. Tebbit was then doing a fantastic job batting away the Portillo assault on IDS, and I was running the K&C deselection campaign to give some cover to IDS at street level. You may heard me on Radio 4?

[Chris Palmer]

R UK/Henry Curteis - by perchance you wouldn't be another UKIP Candidate would you?

[R UK]

Nothing to hide. Who were the others?

I followed UKIP from 2000 to 2001, until I realised how the Party was controlled so blatantly by a small cabal. I wrote a few million leaflets for them titled 'Who's kidding us this time?', and distributed them as requested by Nigel Farage MEP.

I felt that UKIP's energetic 2001 general election campaign was instrumental in Hague becoming more eurosceptic in his rhetoric pre-the poll (we targeted his seat), and in Conservative MP's electing IDS after it.

UKIP were appalling to be a part of - so I changed colours to come back and support IDS - UKIP had served its purpose as far as I was concerned.

Then I ran the deselection campaign in K & C which successfully pressured Portillo to back off IDS in February 2003.

I see Cameron as IDS' natural successor, and am now in strong support of him. (although originally I backed Liam Fox)

It all makes sense. I was interviewed by Peter Maby about the Portillo campaign/my UKIP phase on national radio. Nothing to hide. You asked.