It was classic political scene. There was nine-week-old Liam Corps in the arms of his mother, Emily, in Abingdon flanked by Tory-supporting comedian Jim Davidson and local Tory candidate Ed Matts. Who would kiss the baby in front of the photographers?

There was a marked reluctance from Mr Davidson ("I don't kiss babies, not even my own") and father of three Mr Matts, keen not to fall into the old "politician-kiss-baby" cliche.

And an aide chipped in: "Kissing babies is old stuff from the eighties."

But Mr Davidson did hold the infant.

Conservative candidate Ed Matts looks on as comedian Jim Davidson turns up his nose at kissing Liam Corps

The 47-year-old court jester for the Conservative Party was on top form meeting and swapping jokes with mothers and fathers, taxi drivers, shop workers and even people who were Liberal Democrats or Labour supporters.

"Shame about them," he said.

If the public was expecting jokes about eggs and John Prescott they were disappointed, as Mr Davidson would not be moved.

"They are all old jokes, spent forces like Labour. And John Prescott is an old joke anyway," he said.

Then he dropped the joker's mask: "Do we want our country to survive? Do we want to keep the pound?

"We're being threatened by Europe and Labour."

Mr Davidson got the public in Abingdon smiling but not all were convinced with the message.

Emily Corps, of Wootton, whose baby they declined to kiss, enjoyed Davison's quick wit, but added: "I am not sure I will be casting by first ever vote for the Tories. There is a lot to be considered."

The opinion polls show a commanding Labour lead and that puzzles Mr Davidson: "I don't believe them. Where do these polls come from - Poland?"

Another joke. Another laugh. And the cavalcade of Davidson, Matts, party workers, journalists and photographers moved on. More handshakes, jokes and fooling around laced with the raw and at times abrasive political thoughts of Mr Davidson.

"Why is it every time someone raises the issue of the problems associated with asylum-seekers they are labelled racist. That's rubbish. It is a serious issue which needs facing."

And finally, a snap shot on the leaders from the wit and wisdom of Jim Davidson: Tony Blair - A people pleaser; Charles Kennedy - a boy in short trousers, a wasted vote.

And William Hague? A future Prime Minister.

For once, Jim Davidson was predictable.

Picture: Dave Fleming