tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33696095.post4653660368112901912..comments2024-03-20T16:27:56.522+00:00Comments on Norfolk Blogger: Time for the Lib Dems to wake up and smell the coffee when it comes to Cameron's ToriesNich Starlinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04237390959601973501noreply@blogger.comBlogger7125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33696095.post-61790532880644333492008-07-23T11:33:00.000+01:002008-07-23T11:33:00.000+01:00I don't fear a cull of Lib Dem seats in teh South ...I don't fear a cull of Lib Dem seats in teh South of England for two reasons. Firstly, Lib Dem held seats react very differently to neighbouring seats and tend to be able to buck trends (see North Norfolk as an exmple).<BR/><BR/>Secondly, a leading Tory with friends in the right places (Ashcroft) told me that you could probably name 35 Lib Dem MP's who would still get elected if the Lib Dems were on 5% in the polls such is the great organisation they ahve in their constituencies and their personal vote (again, North Norfolk falls in to this category).<BR/><BR/>You are right about the lack of Labour targets, but that is a point I addressed in my article. the lib Dems have only discovered VERY late that Labour seats shopuld have been targeted on a long term basis.Nich Starlinghttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04237390959601973501noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33696095.post-33671293373109325862008-07-23T10:05:00.000+01:002008-07-23T10:05:00.000+01:00A few points on this. There are not very many Lab...A few points on this. There are not very many Labour seats where the Liberal Democrats are in a good enough second place to be considered good targets. Certainly less than the number of held seats under threat from the Conservatives. Unless there is a spirited defence of the south the party will certainly go backwards and possibly as low as half our current seat tally. <BR/><BR/>Secondly Labour targets tend to be the seats that used be Conservative until 1997 such as University towns. I.e. seats with a strong body of moderate liberal voting opinion.<BR/><BR/>Thirdly when targeting Conservative seats the squeeze effort tends to require not being unfriendly to Labour voters, so they're comofortable voting tactically. The converse is true for targeting Labour seats. In that respect the tax-cutting agenda that Nick has adopted will be helpful in reducing Labour majorities by attracting soft-Conservative votes. But he will have to be careful on what spending cuts are promised to avoid losing soft-Labour votes in the south.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33696095.post-58776807425336422482008-07-23T00:09:00.000+01:002008-07-23T00:09:00.000+01:00Yes absolutely. Of course many of our target seats...Yes absolutely. Of course many of our target seats are Labour, but our rhetoric seems to be more aimed at holding seats vulnerable to the Tories. Or perhaps I have caught the wrong end of the stick again?Linda Jackhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05155438246679688058noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33696095.post-22337489855111451022008-07-22T22:10:00.000+01:002008-07-22T22:10:00.000+01:00"Nearly all" - That's a get out if ever I heard on..."Nearly all" - That's a get out if ever I heard one.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33696095.post-87920682816838065012008-07-22T20:29:00.000+01:002008-07-22T20:29:00.000+01:00Norfolk Blogger: I often read your blog to get a v...Norfolk Blogger: I often read your blog to get a view from the Lib Dems. This does me little good as you hold very progressive and thoughtful views.<BR/><BR/>I should really go to Lib Dem home, but lets face it , its a bit introspective, is full of woe and has a sense of infighting about it.<BR/>Mr Clegg needs a win somewhere or somehow to cement some support.<BR/><BR/>This debate has been flowing around a few blogs recently mainly on the back of the pretend to tax them less Clegg announcement.<BR/><BR/>You are quite right that a change of strategy is needed. A party cannot go around promising tax cuts, to try and cling to and gain from the Tories, if it then suddenly needs to attack Labour.<BR/>The idea that the Tory target seats are all up for taking is nonsense.<BR/>As you have already pointed out the relative failings in Crewe and Henley should sent a message to the leadership.<BR/><BR/>The Labour majority in Glasgow East in a few days will tell us all we need to know about Labour's remaining strength. If it is less than 6000 then they are seriously vulnerable in many areas of the country where the conservatives fear to tread.<BR/><BR/>Less than 3000 and you can start picking Labour targets anywhere in the country, along with Dave.<BR/><BR/>We should continue this once the results are in.Bill Quango MPhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14861116614665461655noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33696095.post-65239122703339042112008-07-22T19:13:00.000+01:002008-07-22T19:13:00.000+01:00well bless my blue and white socks. Im in broadlan...well bless my blue and white socks. Im in broadland area too!<BR/><BR/>I have to admit you are right.<BR/>The point I would make in this matter is, no matter the chances, people must stand up for what they believe in.<BR/><BR/>Cameron however has not won the next election. The Tories have not given us their policies. Just sound bites.<BR/><BR/>I can tell anyone what I will do (cut fuel tax) then tax people more on vehicle duty! I would not tell them about the fuel duty.<BR/>Cameron displays such bullish know it all. Yet in truth he has sat behind the leaders of past and carefully plotted his route to the top.<BR/><BR/>Trust Cameron? No. Trust Clegg? yes but I dont share his views. <BR/>We may need change, a fresh deal, what we dont need is the Tories for another long term.Catchthebudgiehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00352940835540551675noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33696095.post-4738136918914515202008-07-22T18:07:00.000+01:002008-07-22T18:07:00.000+01:00Nich - I think you are a little behind the times o...Nich - I think you are a little behind the times on where the party actually is targeting.<BR/><BR/>Nearly all the targets for gains next time are Labour seats.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com