Why Tory big cat Theresa May was on the prowl and hunting new seats
It's not just her slip ons that resemble a leopard – Theresa May is on the prowl and going in for the kill.
The dust had hardly settled after the Conservatives against-all-odds scalp in the West Midlands mayoral election before the Prime Minister could be spotted in Wolverhampton looking for her next victim.
It was just after midday as light rain fell on Stafford Road that the roar of her armoured Jaguar XJ Sentinel could be heard as it swooped into UTC Aerospace Systems factory.
It's General Election time and the ruthless Mrs May could smell blood.
She had ventured once again into enemy heartland to mark her own territory, this time in Wolverhampton North East – the home of Labour's Emma Reynolds.
"In the minds of European politicians, there isn't a mandate to take into the Brexit negotiations," she roared.
WATCH: PM joins Andy Street in Wolverhampton
"As I look ahead to the General Election, the question people must ask themselves is who do they want to see leading the country in the next five years – me or Jeremy Corbyn?"
"Who do they want to see standing up for the UK as we head into talks with 27 other European countries? I believe it is only me and my team that Britain has with the strong and stable leadership it needs to get the best deal from Brexit."
All good killers are 'strong and stable' if not repetitive.
First there was a kiss on the cheek from her hunter-in-chief Andy Street – the newly crowned West Midlands Mayor who dared to stray into Labour lands and return victorious.
Then it was quickly off for a tour of the factory floor where she hoped to speak to 'real people' and come away their votes.
The PM was slick and stealthy in long black trousers, a black top and a dark jacket with a firm collar – almost Cantona-esque.
Just 11 months prior one of her predecessors, the Chancellor-turned newspaper editor, had trod these factory floors to make the case of staying in the European Union.
This time there was a new pack leader and a new message: "There is no doubt that life will be different once we are outside the European Union, she barked.
"But what is important for companies like this need is that we get the best deal from Brexit. We can only get the right deal from Brexit for Britain, the West Midlands and for families and businesses across the United Kingdom if we have a strong negotiating hand and the right leadership. I believe only a vote for me and my team can achieve that."
Heads of workers were turned as the predator marched through the factory, like meerkats.
She spoke to a line of assembled managers and apprentices.
"She was really interested in the local collaboration with schools and other local organisations," said 26-year-old shift manager Michael Sappor from Wednesfield.
Asked what the fierce Mrs May was like, he said: "She was nice, in good spirits – and had great shoes!"
Mrs May has faced criticism for not meeting real people on this campaign trail.
Of course this event was expertly stage-managed.
I can confirm, Michael is most definitely a real person. But he professionally batted away questions about Brexit and whether he would vote for her. But how else would you expect someone to behave at work?
Mrs May then attended press duties before darting back into the Jag to Downing Street.
I have a feeling we will be seeing her – and the leopard prints – back in these parts soon.
