A Tory bloggers briefing yesterday highlighted the key role that Tory chairman Eric Pickles believes Tory websites will play in rebutting Labour's key messages.
A Tory bloggers’ briefing last night highlighted the key role that Tory Chairman Eric Pickles believes Conservative websites will play in rebutting Labour’s key messages.
Left Foot Forward was alerted to the private discussions by an email from an anonymous blogger describing themselves as “A Tory Friend” which read:
“Eric Pickles and the CCHQ press team told the bloggers they would be given 7am briefing emails or “talk point memos” during the election campaign which would include the days lines and strategy and rebuttals to Labour attacks.”
Shane Greer, who was at the event, denied that bloggers were offered morning emails but told Left Foot Forward:
“Eric Pickles described the role he thought bloggers could play in key marginals to rebut Labour lies where they cropped up.”
Harry Cole, aka Tory Bear, told Left Foot Forward that Pickles said it would be:
“A very dirty election and that’s where you come in … on rebuttal”
On her blog, Lazy Hyena also quotes Pickles:
“This is going to be one of the nastiest, most brutal campaigns in recent history. And that’s where you come in…”
And a hungover Thomas Byrne, who left the drinks at 2am, said he did not want to comment as he, “was not sure what was meant to be said.”
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77 Responses to “Pickles: Key role for Tory bloggers in rebutting Labour”
Tory Rascal
Fact fail.
Good work, Will. Keep it up and I’m sure you can look forward to a bright future with the New Statesman. They don’t verify stories either.
Terrible Tory Girl
Better get your facts right, Will. As you should know, Tories are free-minded people who make their own decisions and no matter of drink plied on us will influence our blogs.
Not only is your story completely false but it borders on the ridiculous. Eric Pickles would hardly be giving us orders on what to say or do – we’re not like Labour.
Einy Shah
What absolute nonsense!
This is exactley the king of thing as talking about, Labour spin. All he said is we need to rebut the Labour lies. I think you should sack your secret researcher.
Man in a Shed
I was standing only a few feet away from Eric, and not a word was said about 7am emails.
Of course as Tory bloggers we don’t need to be told what to think or how to explain the betrayal of the country with Lisbon, the destruction of our industry and banking system, the debasing of our education system and the record future destroying levels of debt that have fuelled the selfish naked reckless ambition of just one man, Gordon Brown.
But perhaps Labour bloggers might need a little help there…
Mark
Big deal? Blogs will bat for their home side. For example LFF is pro-Labour/anti-Tory, at times it’s reactionary. Genuine progressives would be more nuanced in their support for Labour.