David Cameron went on vacation to Italy as a substitute of campaigning for Tories
David Cameron went on holiday to Italy over the weekend instead of campaigning for the General Election.
The Foreign Secretary was snapped on a flight home from Rome, with witnesses saying he was spotted rushing through the airport with his family, including his wife Samantha. Lord Cameron, who was appointed to Rishi Sunak’s Cabinet as a peer, is not standing to be an MP but it is expected he would campaign for the party.
Yet he was photographed on an economy flight – not his usual private jet – by a commuter, who then leaked the photos to the Sun. He flew home on Monday afternoon and is thought to have flown to Italy just days after the PM announced the General Election date.
It comes after the Mirror revealed Tory Minister Steve Baker jetted off to Greece instead of campaigning in his marginal constituency. The Northern Ireland Minister defiantly told this newspaper that he had continued with his holiday plans despite Mr Sunak calling a snap election.
He said that before he booked his break, he and fellow MPs were assured by the PM that it would be ok to head off to the beach this week. Labour claims it is a sign of MPs giving up on trying to get re-elected. Mr Baker has a slim majority of just 4,214, and a leaked recording reveals he admitted earlier this month that he might lose his seat.
His Labour opponent, Emma Reynolds, told The Mirror: “I am staggered that Steve Baker has decided to go on holiday in the middle of the General Election campaign. He clearly doesn’t care about his constituents.”
It comes as more than 80 Tory MPs have announced they will stand down at the General Election. They include senior Conservatives Michael Gove and Theresa May. Housing Secretary Mr Gove, who has served under four Prime Ministers, said it was time for a “new generation” to lead.
Dame Andrea Leadsom, who is a Health Minister, said she was also going after “careful reflection”. Dame Andrea, who has been the MP for South Northamptonshire since 2010, stood against Theresa May for the Tory leadership in 2019. She’s been Commons Leader, Business Secretary and Environment Secretary.
