SamCam is Tory secret weapon, says former party spin doctor Andy Coulson

David Cameron may not have realised it yet, but the secret to winning the next election is right there beside him.

She’s called Samantha Cameron and should, according to the PM’s former communications chief, be brought into the heart of the team that will decide the Government’s strategy.

Andy Coulson, the former editor of the News of the World, and Mr Cameron’s controversial choice to head his spin operation before he was forced to resign over phone-hacking related issues, has advised his former boss that “the time has now come for Sam play a more public role and take some risks”. In the new GQ magazine, Mr Coulson, says someone – presumably Sam’s husband and his advisers – should tell No 10’s first lady that “she’s badly needed in the trenches”.

Mr Coulson, who is awaiting trial on charges relating to his time as a News International editor, is also dismissive of those currently advising the PM, saying Sam is “one of the few people able to see straight to the heart of a matter and offer, a clear sensible view”. Mrs C, should avoid policy discussions, but join “small select strategy meetings”, Mr Coulson advises.