Party progressing in the North: Full slate of candidates in Yorkshire for first time ever

Whatever the Mirror says, the Conservative Party is clearly making ground in the North.

We understand that for this year's elections there will be Conservative candidates in every single contested ward in Yorkshire. Much credit is due to the committed activists such as former MP Michael Bates who are working hard to develop the party's presence there.

Also worth noting is that Liverpool Conservatives - under the close stewardship of "Shadow Minister for Liverpool" Chris Grayling, Chairman Tony Caldeira, and Organiser Martyn Barber - are fielding a full slate for the second year in a row.

In the last week or so Conservatives.tv has produced three videos about the progress of Campaign North, including this one in Yorkshire:

This one in the North East with Tynemouth's Wendy Morton:

And this one in the North West following Debi Jones from Sefton Central:

Comments

[Henry Edward-Bancroft]

Indeed Liverpool! I understand in nearby Sefton, the team there - including local agent Louise Parry - are doing stirling work!! All in non-tradtional areas, well done to Sefton, Liverpool and all of the North on this much needed and timely work!

[Teacher]

You mean sterling work. Stirling is a town in Scotland. Dunce's cap for Henry!

[Buckinghamshire Tory]

I am pleased to see that the Tory Party is focusing so much energy on regaining strength in the North of England.
The next General Election can't be won solely on crushing Labour in the South. We must also confront them on their home turf, just as they did with us in 1997.

[Henry Edward-Bancroft]

Shame on me!!!

[Serf]

We must also confront them on their home turf, just as they did with us in 1997

Even where there is no hope of short term gains. We need to force them to defend their home territory, keeping resources away from marginals, and over the longer term, where we can possibly win is not set in stone.

[Michael Taylor]

Sadly too many of this 100% slate of Tory candidates in Yorkshire, especially in some of the larger towns/cities, are mere paper candidates in wards which we used to hold.

In some places there is an air of terminal pessimism as we rely on other parts of the country to return a Conservative government. There are good candidates being given insufficient support - people we can't afford to lose.

[microlight]

I am confused at Henry Edward-Bancroft's posting. Unlike surrounding West Lancashire and South Ribble, the Conservatives have been going backwards in Sefton over the past few years while the disgraceful stabbing in the back of popular Dukes Ward Tory councillor David Pearson, recent former mayor, has hardly helped matters this year - especially since the assasination attempt has failed and David Pearson has successfully insisted on remaining candidate, against the group leadership, councillors Parry and Porter. All the independent media consider it unlikely that thee will not be further Tory losses in Sefton this year while the party is going forward elsewhere across the North. It is hardly surprising that Martyn Barber has decamped to Liverpool, disagreeing asd he does with the crucial waste disposal policy of his own 'leaders'. After all, he's only the group Environment spokesman!

Councillor Les Byrom, the previous Sefton Conservative Group leader, who was the subject of a coup by councillors Porter and Parry a couple of years ago is frequently seen smiling at the antics of his replacement who is all Parry and no thrust!

[Robert Largan]

We've got a full slate in Manchester again this year.

[John Craig]

We have some good candidates in Leeds North West. They are really fighting hard to win their seats, even if they are perceived as a no hoper. I would not hold my breath. What we need urgently is a parliamentary candidate.

[bunster]

I thought there was a Conservative candidate in NW Leeds! Very little has been done in NE Leeds- is this because of the pact with the the LibDims to support the ex and unloved Mark Harris? If there is to b any chance of winning NE Leeds more work ought to have been done there. Putting up paper candidates in large parts of Leeds may help the BNP.

[bunster]

What is happening in Leeds? No gains and a loss to the LibDims in NW Leeds. BNP nearly win two seats where no Conservative activity- one of those seats was a Tory target two years ago! Is there something wrong with the local party there? Are they too tied to the LibDims to bother to do any work?