Election 2010: It Asda be the Downing St wives

Published on Wednesday 28 April 2010 10:37

THE Prime Minister's wife, Sarah Brown, joined Chancellor Alistair Darling's wife Maggie on a visit to Asda's Chesser store to meet staff and do a quick spot of shopping.

NICE BAG DARLING: Maggie Darling, front, and Sarah Brown visit the Asda store in Chesser

After touring the aisles yesterday, Mrs Brown spoke about life on the campaign trail. "I've gone on quite a few days. You've got to juggle it with family life, but everyone is back at school now so it's not been too bad."

And she gave a measured view of the mood among voters.

"I can only talk from my experience. I go on visits with Gordon, I've done a little bit of door-knocking.

"People talk to you about their families, what their needs are, what they're facing.

"There is that balance between people being very understanding of the changes they have seen in the past 12 years – new buildings, new public-sector investment, changes in schools, changes in hospitals – but also the challenges they are facing.

"The last year has been tough for people economically. They all seem to readily appreciate the part Gordon and Alistair have played in that, but now they are facing a time when they are choosing – and it seems right at election time, that's when you weigh it all up and choose again."

She added: "Lots of people tell us they have made that choice and they are choosing us."

At the check-out, Mrs Darling produced a bag from Darling Harbour, Sydney – a gift Mrs Brown brought back from Australia when she and the Prime Minister were there for her brother's wedding.

The two ladies of Downing Street then chatted to staff in the canteen about Easter egg packaging, the store's community involvement and getting Number Ten to use fairtrade products.

Mrs Brown has been tweeting and blogging throughout the campaign.

She said: "Twitter doesn't take up a lot of time – maybe about 20 minutes a day and the blog I write at the end of the day and find a picture to post up."

And she was not bothered about media attention on her clothes and appearance.

"I like fashion and I like clothes, so I don't mind at all really."