Tory leader fronts up the fight for 'marginal seat' (From Times Series)

Tory leader David Cameron fronts up the fight for 'marginal seat' at forum with residents in Hendon tonight

9:47pm Monday 23rd November 2009 in News By Kevin Bradford

Tory leader fronts up the fight for 'marginal seat'

WITH a swagger synonymous to a confident boxer parading around the ring before fight night, Tory leader David Cameron made a school hall in Hendon his latest political hunting ground.

In what was the 53 round of his Cameron Direct events, the prospective Prime Minister was more focused on fighting his own corner than aiming digs at the opposition.

With a series of polished retorts, Mr Cameron put across key Conservative policy ideas and outlined his party's stance on issues high on the political agenda during tonight's questions and answer session.

A controlled and assured performance by the 43-year-old at the Hasmonean High School for Boys, in Holders Hill Road, saw him tackle questions on MP's expenses, Afghanistan and his potential to be a leader of the country.

Starting off the session, Mr Cameron said to the gathered audience of about 150 people: “The idea is your questions and my answers.

“Politics has gone wrong in Britain in lots of ways but one way is often politicians like me would come to somewhere like Finchley, give an interview and then go away without meeting any real people or answering their questions.”

Conservative parliamentary candidate for Finchley and Golders Green and serving leader of Barnet Council, Councillor Mike Freer, introduced Mr Cameron, who then made immediate reference to the importance of the seat at the next general election.

He said: “I make no secret of this, this is a marginal constituency and you are some of the people who will determine the outcome of the next election so I think you have a right to have a good look at the people who think they ought to be Prime Minister after that election and work out whether you agree.”