Cameron quotes Churchill in fight against ‘stupid’ AV

Speaking after a rally in Darlington, County Durham, for Conservatives opposing the Alternative Vote, Mr Cameron said: “It’s always a good question, if you want to know what to do about something, to ask what would Churchill have said about it.

“The question of AV came up when he was very active in politics after the First World War and he had some pretty clear things to say.

“He is an inspiring figure, definitely our greatest Prime Minister.”

During a speech to activists, Mr Cameron referred to Churchill’s opposition to AV, quoting him saying: “It is the stupidest, the least scientific, the most unreasonable of all voting systems.”

Mr Cameron asked: “Do you want to argue with Winston?

“I don’t think so.”

He urged on activists, saying: “We have 15 days until the elections.

“I know there are a few distractions, there’s the weather and the wedding, but we have to stay focused.”

Afterwards he was approached by 12-year-old Tory Daniel Dennis.

Wearing a crisp white shirt, blue tie, a Conservative rosette and No to AV sticker, the young trombonist asked the Prime Minister about funding for music.

Daniel, whose father Philip is standing in Eaglescliffe, Stockton, Teesside, as a Tory in the local elections, was worried the Tees Valley Music Service, which supports young musicians, might be cut.

Mr Cameron asked him to send him more details about the music service.

When Daniel was asked by reporters if he was brave to tackle the Prime Minister, he said: “Sort of, yes.

“(But) I’m desperate for information about it.”

His proud father said Daniel was “absolutely” Tory and campaigns with him.