Saturday, August 26, 2006

Derby defections

A press release from Cowley Street celebrates the mass defection of Labour members to the Liberal Democrats in Margaret Beckett's Derby South constituency.

Their decision could be particularly significant in view of the result there last time:

Margaret Beckett (Labour) 19,683 45.4%

Lucy Care (Liberal Democrat) 14,026 32.3%

David Brackenbury (Conservative) 8,211 18.9%

Majority 5,657 13.0%

However, from a distance it is hard to know what to make of the affair and to judge how Liberal our new recruits are. Iain Sharpe and Colin Ross have both suggested a need for caution, and I think they are right.
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1 comment:

  1. Anonymous26 August, 2006 16:24

    I agree with the need for caution, but I also understand that the Lib Dems in Derby did say to the defectors before they decided to join, that they should only join if they genuinely believe in what the Lib Dem are saying and not just because they are fed up with Labour. Of course you cannot guarantee that this is what they have done.

    With the boundaries of Derby's parliamentary seats changing dramatically next time, the election result from last time is unfortunately only a small guide to what will happen there next time.

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