In the years leading up to the 2010 General Election, Blackpool became a regular destination for David Cameron as he sought to rebuild the Conservative Party’s fortunes and strengthen its support across the country. The resort hosted major political events and repeatedly featured in the party’s campaign strategy, making it an important backdrop to Cameron’s rise from Leader of the Opposition to Prime Minister.
Oct. 3, 2007 – Winter Gardens, BLACKPOOL, ENGLAND – DAVID CAMERON MP CONSERVATIVE PARTY LEADER.GIVES FINAL ADDRESS.CONSERVATIVE PARTY CONFERENCE 2007.BLACK POOL, ENGLAND 10-03-2007.DAVE GADD- – 2007.K54905(Credit Image: © Globe Photos/ZUMAPRESS.com)
Following the Conservative Party’s strong performance in the 2007 local elections, David Cameron travelled to Blackpool to celebrate the results and meet party supporters. His visit attracted significant media attention as he arrived in the town after the Conservatives had made substantial gains in councils across England. During the visit, Cameron spoke with television crews, newspaper journalists and photographers, using Blackpool as the setting to reinforce the message that the party was once again becoming a serious contender for government.
Former Prime Minister David Cameron interviewed by the local media during a visit to Blackpool. Image shot 2007.
Later that year, on 3 October 2007, Cameron returned to the Winter Gardens for the Conservative Party Conference. Delivering his keynote speech to delegates, he set out his vision for Britain and outlined the policies he hoped would persuade voters that the Conservatives were ready to return to power after more than a decade in opposition. The annual conference brought thousands of politicians, journalists and visitors to Blackpool, once again placing the resort at the centre of national political debate.
May 03, 2010 – UK – Leader of the Conservative Party David Cameron goes for an early morning run in Blackpool, Monday May 3, 2010. Photo Andrew Parsons (Credit Image: © Andrew Parsons/ZUMApress.com)
Blackpool remained an important campaign stop during the 2010 General Election. On the morning of 3 May 2010, just days before polling day, David Cameron was photographed taking an early morning run along the promenade before continuing with a busy programme of campaign events. The informal appearance offered a contrast to the intensity of the election campaign and became one of the defining images of his visit to the town.
Only three days later, on 6 May 2010, the United Kingdom went to the polls. Although no party secured an overall majority, the Conservatives emerged as the largest party in the House of Commons. Cameron subsequently formed a coalition government with the Liberal Democrats and became Prime Minister, ending thirteen years of Labour government.
These photographs capture several key moments in David Cameron’s relationship with Blackpool, from celebrating local election successes and addressing the Conservative Party Conference to campaigning during the final days before entering Downing Street. They also highlight the continuing importance of Blackpool as a venue for major political events, with the Winter Gardens providing the stage for speeches and conferences that have helped shape modern British political history.
Former Prime Minister David Cameron MP doing TV interview on Blackpool promenade. Image shot 2007.
