How Davey's water stunts send out political ripples

When Neil Kinnock became Labour leader in October 1983, he was infamously pictured falling backwards on Brighton beach. It was an image of haplessness that dogged his nine-year leadership right up until his second general election defeat in 1992.

- DAVID MADDOX

Yet 41 years later, Liberal Democrat leader Ed Davey seems to be making a virtue of being pictured falling into water at any opportunity, whether it is from a boat or losing his balance on a tightrope. Not only that, but images of him on a water slide, a funfair ride, hurtling downhill on a bike, playing a giant blue version of Jenga (to represent the Tory blue wall) and more have punctuated an otherwise dull and predictable election campaign.

There have been serious moments, too, such as when he talked about being a carer for his disabled son, but this has been a campaign in which the Lib Dem leader is definitely having a lot of fun while his opponents wallow in apparent misery and seriousness. But is it really a winning strategy? Why is a political leader risking mockery and ridicule? Is he not taking the issues as seriously as they deserve?

In fact, Davey is pursuing a highly effective campaign, and the strategy’s surprising origins lie with a former Scottish Conservative leader who became a beloved figure in politics north of the border.

How Annabel Goldie revived the Tories in Scotland

Many people credit Ruth Davidson – now Baroness Davidson – with leading the Tory comeback in Scotland. And while it is true that she deserves much credit, she would not have succeeded without the foundations laid by Annabel Goldie – also now Baroness Goldie, but “Bella” to many who know her well.

Back in 2007, the Scottish Tories were the forgotten party of politics in Scotland. They were the fourth-largest, with no constituency members of the Scottish parliament (MSPs) – only those on the top-up party list.