It's becoming increasingly clear that the Liberal Democrats have more or less abandoned Crewe and Nantwich. They are still working a couple of wards according to Tory sources so they achieve a respectable result but they know that only the Conservatives or Labour can win the seat.
This is obviously good news for the campaign in Crewe but we must get on with selecting our candidate in Henley. Henley isn't included in the new tranche of selecting seats - just released. Why are we waiting? The LibDems have just adopted their candidate. We shouldn't be giving him the opportunity to make inroads.
Anyway, back to Crewe:
Confirming what Eric Pickles told ConservativeHome yesterday, Shadow Northern Ireland Secretary Owen Paterson MP has also passed us this (Owen's North Shropshire seat borders Crewe and Nantwich):
"When I canvassed in Crewe for Patrick Rock in the 1980s, as an eager beaver, it was somewhat disheartening to be told to f*** off by staunch Labour supporters. It was quite extraordinary last night to meet Labour voters who are openly switching.
A 40 year old woman told me: "My family have been trade unionists and Labour for 100 years - my Granny would turn in her grave but we're voting Conservative this time."
A 35 year old man told me: "I've voted Labour all my life but they can stick it this time."
Alternatively, they are clearly stating that they are undecided but are reading our literature and admitting that they like what they read about our candidate. It must be unprecedented that busy, hard working people are spending so much time reading our leaflets so carefully when in so many other elections I have helped with, they have put them straight in the bin. In the brand new estates where I picked up the quotes last night, the Labour toff attack is backfiring miserably, the attitude being that "If Edward Timpson has made a success of his life then good for him - that's what it's all about." Labour are also losing support by telephone canvassing with real aggression. I am genuinely looking forward to getting back as soon as possible after Northern Ireland Questions. Crewe and Nantwich has always been known locally as a Labour seat but I have never had such a reception as I had last night."
Related video: Labour's Crewe candidate repeatedly refuses to say if Gordon Brown is an asset to her campaign
