Author Archives: David King

Tackling Welfare Dependency Head-on: Cameron Takes a Tough Line

In an energised and impassioned speech to the party faithful, David Cameron last week unveiled the Conservative’s new poster campaign “Let’s cut benefits for those who refuse to work”. This simple, yet effective, ‘tell it like it is’ poster speaks to the Conservative’s broader concept of the Big Society, supporting those who work hard and contribute to their communities, while introducing tougher penalties for those who fail to take individual responsibility.
Posted on April 26, 2010 By David King
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Election Healthcare Debate: Three Parties, Broad Consensus

By Isabella Sharp, Senior Associate, APCO LondonThe setting of Thursday’s healthcare debate, hosted by the NHS Confederation, Kings Fund, British Medical Association and the Royal College of Nursing had the air of a policy seminar rather than an X-factor audition. The wonked-up style rather suited the slightly more erudite approach to health issues generally taken [...]
Posted on April 23, 2010 By David King
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Advertising to Children – An Emotional Election Topic

by Magdalena Stepien, senior associate, APCO Fast Moving Consumer Goods PracticeWhen Primark removed padded bras for children from its stores last week following public outcry, party leaders were quick to condemn the sale of ‘sexualised’ goods to children, branding it a ‘disgrace’ (David Cameron), calling retailers ‘greedy’ (Lynne Featherstone, Liberal Democrats equality spokesman) and the [...]
Posted on April 21, 2010 By David King
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People Power…or Pandora’s Box?

At their Manifesto launch last week, the Conservative Party issued “an invitation to join the government of Britain”. An interesting approach and it remains to be seen if the British electorate will RSVP.
Posted on April 20, 2010 By David King
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Clegg Wins His Audition With the British Public

by Razi Rahman,  APCO UK Deputy Managing DirectorThe consensus is clear.  Commentators and pollsters alike agree that the winner of the UK’s first leaders' debate was Nick Clegg, the leader of Britain’s third party, the Liberal Democrats.  Mr Clegg seized the opportunity to introduce himself to the British public turning in a relaxed and fluent [...]
Posted on April 16, 2010 By David King
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Manifestos Rarely Win Elections

It’s accepted wisdom amongst commentators that in the context of the electoral battle, party manifestos are unimportant. It is true few voters study them. But they remain important documents.
Posted on April 15, 2010 By David King
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