Theresa May’s new Suicide Prevention minister once joked she’d rather ‘throw herself off cliff’ than defect to Ukip
Jackie Doyle-Price’s comment was branded 'completely inappropriate' by a senior Labour spokesman
THERESA May’s new Suicide Prevention minister once joked about jumping off a cliff, quipping she “would rather throw myself off Beachy Head” than defect to Ukip.
But Jackie Doyle Price’s faux pas was branded “completely inappropriate” by a senior Labour spokesman last night.
Among her ministerial responsibilities will be to try to end the stigma which prevents people from seeking help.
Ms Doyle-Price spoke to her local paper the Thurrock Gazette in 2014 to deny rumours that she might follow Clacton MP Douglas Carswell in defecting to Ukip.
She said at the time: “I would sooner jump off Beachy Head than join Ukip.
“I am a Conservative. I have never run away from a fight and I am not going to start now. The stakes are too high.”
A senior Labour spokesman said: “Any comment which increases stigma or disrespect or lack of understanding for mental health issues - in particular in this case mental health issues and suicide - is obviously completely inappropriate.
“These kinds of comments are unacceptable.”
A Downing Street source said he was not aware of the comments, but added: “There is a serious job she will be taking forward in this very important new position.
“She will have access to some of the nearly £12 billion that we already spend on mental health in this country and will want to ensure that services improve further to make sure that people in vulnerable situations get the support they need.”
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She said yesterday she was “very pleased to receive so many messages of goodwill” while the Samaritans said they “looked forward to continuing to work with you on suicide prevention, helping us to be there for anyone who is struggling to cope”.
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