Gransnet forums

News & politics

Andrea Leadsom

(210 Posts)
specki4eyes Sat 09-Jul-16 06:42:18

I have to say that, despite her denials, I am disgusted that Andrea Leadsom is using her fecundity as a means to improving her chances of becoming Prime Minister. After what Britain has just gone through with the deceitful and destructive Brexit campaign, can it be true that a potential Party leader begins her campaign by making unfair and unkind comparisons in order to gain ground?
She now claims that her comments have been taken out of context - how can anyone refer to that specific difference between yourself and another in any other context? I despair.

Anniebach Sat 09-Jul-16 09:48:15

A PM should want what's best for all in the country. This woman is too fond of the sound of her own voice. Empty vessels make the most sound

whitewave Sat 09-Jul-16 09:42:48

Further the fact that she is willing to suggest (albeit obliquely) that it does shows her naivety.

whitewave Sat 09-Jul-16 09:41:01

Couldn't agree more DB

DaphneBroon Sat 09-Jul-16 09:15:33

Do you know, Whitewave, I think it is irrelevant! smile

whitewave Sat 09-Jul-16 09:14:22

Does being a mother therefore make you suitable to be PM?

DaphneBroon Sat 09-Jul-16 09:14:22

Would a male politician use the same argument? Being a father is no less important than being a mother.
It is the "appeal to the heartstrings" which doesn't fill me with confidence. If a politician can fall into an interview "trap" by a journalist, does he or she really have what it takes to stand toe to toe with other political leaders in important negotiations?
But listen to other interviews e.g The World at One, WH etc or read the articles and judge for yourself, not just third hand opinions about what a person might or might not have said.
It may take a bit longer than soundbites but surely we should be forming our opinions on FACTS as many people maintained in the Referendum campaign, but some sadly could not be bothered.

Welshwife Sat 09-Jul-16 09:10:33

Now now Annie we are always complaining about them not answering questions! grin

Jayh Sat 09-Jul-16 09:09:32

Thank you, Daphne for the link. No matter what else she said in the interview, the extract is quite unambiguous. In fact, coincidentally, as I type this I am listening to a recording of what she said on the BBC news. Unless someone is impersonating her voice, the extract is indeed accurate with an emphasis on the word ' mother'.
How can she deny it?

Grannyknot Sat 09-Jul-16 09:08:36

synonymous I thought you were going to write that she is promoting the screening programme that says that women should have regular smears, as part of her campaign.

Anniebach Sat 09-Jul-16 09:03:19

A PM should have the ability to dodge leading questions.

Synonymous Sat 09-Jul-16 09:02:28

Project SMEAR replaces Project FEAR!

Hopefully the grassroots voting membership will not be as gullible as is assumed. Those currently wielding the power clearly do not want to let go!

whitewave Sat 09-Jul-16 08:59:52

I think this all doesn't matter too much. What I think matters most of all is her ability, and quite frankly she is totally untested. In normal times the country might be willing to take a punt, but this isn't normal times. As that well known Brexiter Michael Portillo said "we are extremely perilous times", and to risk these perilous times on an unknown would be foolish indeed.

rosesarered Sat 09-Jul-16 08:56:56

I think that May would be the best choice for PM simply because she has a lot of experience in Government and was very muted in the EU referendum.Having said that, I also think that today's media will twist and warp a persons words, also ask leading questions, so that they get what they want.Leadsom is not experienced enough to realise this ( in fact, even experienced politicians fall into their trap at times).
The media decide to be Kingmakers.

DaphneBroon Sat 09-Jul-16 08:55:39

smile I remember that Tegan - and her turn of phrase in the debate. hmm

Tegan Sat 09-Jul-16 08:54:10

I did ask on here at the time of the great debate who is that woman who keeps going on about 'being a mother' so this report doesn't surprise me at all. Mind you, if we are comparing her to Mother Theresa, isn't she anti abortion as well as being anti gay marriage?(Leadsom that is)

DaphneBroon Sat 09-Jul-16 08:46:25

Well I suppose the obvious thing to do is buy the paper and read it for oneself.
The extract from the transcript is the relevant part, but why not read it for yourself.

Anya Sat 09-Jul-16 08:44:45

LOL AB

Anniebach Sat 09-Jul-16 08:41:58

Rosemary West is a mother .

obieone Sat 09-Jul-16 08:40:04

The link only looks like part to me.

I think this could all backfire on The Times.

Christinefrance Sat 09-Jul-16 08:38:17

Daphnebroon you are so right, Ms Leadsom seems to be on very shaky ground with her claims. Even allowing for reporting bias things do not sit right with her. Theresa May has behaved with dignity and has so much more relevant experience. Of course she is not perfect, who amongst us is, but I think she us a safe pair of hands in these difficult times.

obieone Sat 09-Jul-16 08:38:15

Is that the full transcript DaphneBroon?

The piece on the news that The Times has released is only part?
Why? What are they holding back?

mcem Sat 09-Jul-16 08:35:06

I'm not at all surprised. In the big referendum debate she started 3 or 4 of her answers with the phrase 'as wife and mother'.

Anya Sat 09-Jul-16 08:34:10

If only half of what I've read about Mother Theresa is correct, she could have given Maggie a run for her money hmm

Anniebach Sat 09-Jul-16 08:31:15

If she becomes PM she will make Thatcher seem like. Mother Theresa

Anya Sat 09-Jul-16 08:29:01

There a pattern emerging here of a woman who would say anything just to get her way.