Do the Lib Dems want the Conservatives to win Crewe

Not much activity by the Liberal Democrats in Crewe, apparently. While they are talking up their chances in Henley, the Boris Johnson seat - a by-election which is probably some months off - there is little sign of them getting stuck in further north. Only yesterday Simon Hughes was arguing in the Commons that the by-election should be delayed.

Party chiefs have privately suggests that they are too far behind their opponents to make it worth engaging in Sontaran battle mode (which resulted in its stunning mid-Parliament victories like Brent East) unless there are signs the Labour vote is collapsing completely.

This is an interesting tactical choice. Any attempts to engage more fully would presumably result in Labour defectors angry over 10p turning yellow rather than blue. But as it stands, the Conservatives are only having to fight on one front, making their job easier. Why has Clegg chosen this route?

Update: Woosh! A strong set of denials for Lib Dem Central, who have announced a Clegg visit this morning. The well respected Chris Rennard, the election chief, says: Simply not true. Just come to our HQ in Crewe and see us there for proof of our very serious intent! The Labour vote is very weak (as evidenced by our gains in Crewe South in the local elections) - so Lib Dems will aim to repeat earlier by-election successes. Mike Smithson, from politicalbetting.com, adds: "this sounds a bit like what everybody was saying ahead of Bromley and remember what happened there"

Comments

[Chris Rennard]

Sam,

Simply not true. Just come to our HQ in Crewe and see us there for proof of our very serious intent! The Labour vote is very weak (as evidenced by our gains in Crewe South in the local elections) - so Lib Dems will aim to repeat earlier by-election successes.

[Mike Smithson]

Sam - this sounds a bit like what everybody was saying ahead of Bromley and remember what happened there.

Just Google C&N by election and see the first wave of search results many of Lib Dem sites and virtually nothing from the Tories.

[localboy]

Sam,

Have you been to Crewe & Nantwich ???

So far I have recd 2 items from Lib Dems; nil from Tories; nil from Labour.

My mother, in a different part of the constituency, has had 4 from Lib Dems, 1 from Labour, nil from Tories.

So who has "given up" ??

Cameron's visit to Crewe wasn't a triumph - got skewered by the local chap re 10p tax rate, and the only "local" I recognised in his entourage was a councillor from the neighbouring Eddisbury constituency.

Oh, and one of their local election candidates in 2007 (a Mr Walklate) is standing as an Independent. Perhaps you should be talking to him ???

[Kevin Davis]

Some touchy Lib Dems around this morning! Maybe they are feeling a bit vulnerable after their poor performance last week?

[ashley rochdale]

I have to say I am a little worried - good friend of mine - phone canvassing for the Tories - result - 18 Tories - 15 Lib Dems and 11 Lab- he ssmed happy - but if labs do collapse - will go where?

[ashley rochdale]

I have to say I am a little worried - good friend of mine - phone canvassing for the Tories - result - 18 Tories - 15 Lib Dems and 11 Lab- he ssmed happy - but if labs do collapse - will go where?

[machiavelli]

Sending Cleggover hardly shows serious intent.