Tory PR own goal over Mick Jagger Davos claims
You could hardly of missing the punning headlines yesterday that crowed about rock legend Mick Jagger revealing himself as a true blue Tory and opting to support the Prime Minister at the economic forum in Davos.
Great story! Only it wasn’t true and in a heartbeat Mick Jagger has curtailed his visit to Switzerland and will leave before the photo opportunity that No 10’s spin doctors were no doubt coveting.
It was The Sun what lost it, to paraphrase. With the headline you see pictured about the story raved:
PREMIER David Cameron has recruited Sir Mick Jagger to help him sell Britain to world leaders.
The Rolling Stones legend will be star attraction at an event in Switzerland organised by Downing Street to boost investment to the UK in the Olympics year.
No10 is "tickled pink" with the publicity coup, a senior Government source told The Sun.
The source added: "Mick Jagger is a massive international celebrity who seldom has anything to do with politicians.
"So it's fantastic that he's agreed to help the PM sell Britain to the world in this very special year."
Mick's beloved late mum Eva was an active member of the Tory Party and it has long been suspected that Sir Mick, 68, is a closet Conservative supporter.
But this is the first time that the Sympathy for the Devil singer has appeared at any public event for a Tory Prime Minister.
Really? Closet Tory? Considering Mick Jagger has since called this inaccurate there is all likelihood this constitutes a libel, although somehow I doubt he needs the cash!
Actually Jagger issued a damning statement:
"During my career I have always eschewed party politics and came to Davos as a guest, as I thought it would be stimulating.
"I have always been interested in economics and world events. I now find myself being used as a political football and there has been a lot of comment about my political allegiances which are inaccurate. I think its best I decline the invitation to the key event and curtail my visit."
Ouch! By naively using Jagger as a ‘political football’ No. 10 has scored an own goal that has led to negatives stories today and will serve as a stark warning to celebrities who guard their political allegiances closely not to get involved in events that might be good for the country.
The PR lesson here is all about ensuring everyone is singing from the same song sheet and whatever you do… never ever exploit someone or claim to know their thoughts without discussing it first.
If you’ll forgive me… I’d like to say it is ‘All Over Now’, but this story has a legacy and will ‘Not Fade Away’ and I suspect David Cameron has realised ‘You Can’t Always Get What You Want’.