Politician Makes PR Gaff – Tells Truth

Jeremy Hunt made a terrible PR blunder at the weekend. He told the truth.

The Chancellor told Laura Kuenssberg that in his Surrey constituency, a salary of £100,000 a year “doesn’t go as far as you might think”.

Given house prices, childcare costs and probably a London commute at least three days a week, he’s right.

A quick survey of some London couples I know – none of whom are going to vote for him anyway – all produced the same reaction.

Whether the couples earn several multiplies of £100,000 or nothing like that, all thought if was the most accurate thing he’s ever said.

The obvious accusation is that he is out of touch. But I don’t see why it can’t be true that nurses don’t get paid enough AND that £100,000 in London does not make you rich.

In fact, almost the only people in London who are rich are people who are old or have inherited money, or both.

So far, it is good to see Hunt sticking to his guns.

He “doubled down” complained The Guardian, a place full of people who earn more than £100,000 and who bought houses when they were much more affordable than they are now.

So even Guardian hacks think, probably secretly, that the Chancellor is right.

And since the Tories desperately need the middle-class vote, it sort of makes sense politically for him to stay on this track.

My bet is that at some point between now and the election, he equivocates, or clarifies, or some such.

I think he should keep saying it. Employers might have to give a whole load of people a pay rise. He could be a hero.