By Anne Pickles

Last updated at 16:52, Tuesday, 19 February 2013

FAR be it from me to hurl stones in glass houses... but might David Cameron be gaining a pound or two?

Anne Pickles

Hey, it happens. Especially as you get a bit older.

We who have had lifelong struggles with weight and shape know that.

Dreaded bulk creeps up on you with cunning stealth. It settles happily, if sneakily, around the waist, bum and chin and refuses to shift – without putting up a fiercely stubborn fight.

Something tells me the Prime Minister may only now be starting to realise it. And, since he has also just recently been seduced by all things Cumbrian – in particular the tasty bits – he is very likely lost to the cause of weight gain.

There are worse things. Even for a leader of world stature, for whom image is a fundamental imperative, the odd love handle isn’t the biggest deal.

Nobody dies when you tuck into a shepherd’s pie, war isn’t declared when you ask for a second helping of toffee pudding, elections aren’t lost because you’ve had one pie too many or had the missus roast rather too much Herdy lamb for Sunday lunch... mustard mash on the side.

Once was the time a pleasingly chunky frame was indication of discernment and taste; a sign of love for the finer things in life – like Hawkshead and Jennings ales, Cranstons pork pies and anything from Cartmel with the word sticky in its name.

Nowadays, it’s decidedly infra dig, which is no doubt why the PM has seen fit to downplay his affection for a bit of a binge from God’s own county’s larder.

“I try to go for a run a week, I try to play a game of tennis every week and I try not to go to bed too late,” he said, failing to mention his pie habit.

In denial? Maybe. But let’s look on a couple of bright sides – one for him and one for us.

In leadership terms, he can’t expect to be a political heavyweight if the opposition can kick sand in his face on the beach.

And in our terms? Well a few of us are putting together a plan to make Cumbria Day an annual diary date of unbridled celebration, following last week’s triumph.

Since the PM is suddenly so fond of all our assets – and is adopting the shape to prove it – we reckon we can count on his support, all the way to the finishing line.

Welcome aboard Dave!

First published at 16:49, Tuesday, 19 February 2013
Published by http://www.nwemail.co.uk