‘ Fighting fit’ PM insists: I’ll serve the full five years
DAVID Cameron yesterday declared himself “fighting fit and loving my job” as he was quizzed about future leadership of his party.
The Prime Minister astounded colleagues before the election by saying he did not intend to go into the 2020 election as Tory leader.
He insisted again that he intends to serve the full five years of his term – although many presume the contest to succeed him would have to take place months before polling day.
But, questioned during a trade mission to Singapore as part of a four- country tour of south- east Asia, he appeared acutely aware of the political damage it would do to his administration if he were seen as a “lame duck” PM on his way out.
Talented
Accompanied by ministers including Business Secretary Sajid Javid, who is seen as a potential successor, Mr Cameron said he would not fuel speculation about who should be the next leader.
He said: “I have already been Prime Minister for five years, I have said I will be Prime Minister for the next five years.
“I’m in the prime of life, I’m fighting fit, I’m loving my job. But I don’t think anyone should go on for ever and ever.
“I have got an incredibly talented team, some of whom are here today. I won’t embarrass them by naming them or that will set off all sorts of speculation.”
Earlier on his trip Mr Cameron said that none of the Labour leadership contenders – Andy Burnham, Yvette Cooper, Liz Kendall or Jeremy Corbyn – were facing up to the realities of modern Britain. But he insisted he would not let his party become complacent about power despite the infighting breaking out in Labour as it sees Mr Corbyn’s popularity make him a serious contender against expectations.
Asked if Labour could be out of power for 20 years with Mr Corbyn as leader, he said: “I’m a great believer that politicians shouldn’t make too many predictions. The truth is, each election is an individual event and I always say it’s fun to watch the Opposition when they are making a mess of things and it’s fun to talk about their leadership election. But we have a serious job to do.
“We have got a great track record, a strong manifesto. Deliver that and we will go on winning elections.” In a gentler moment, Mr Cameron followed Margaret Thatcher and the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge by being honoured with an orchid in his name.
The Papilionanda David Cameron is described as “robust and free flowering” with Tory blue petals – although the PM was heard muttering that they were more like Ukip purple.