There was a boost for Jessica Lee (pictured), the Conservative candidate for the Derbyshire constituency of Erewash over the weekend, with news that the sitting Labour MP for the seat, Liz Blackman, has opted not to defend her seat at the general election.
According to the BBC, Ms Blackman wants more time to "enjoy and support her family".
The seat was held for the Conservatives by Angela Knight until 1997 when the seat fell to Labour, but is now in Tory sights again. On paper a swing of 7.83% is needed to gain the seat, although the arithmetic here is slightly confused by the candidacy of Robert Kilroy-Silk under the Veritas banner at the 2005 election.
Jessica, a family law barrister who grew up locally, was selected back in March 2007, so will have been in place for over three years come the general election. Only last week she wrote this Platform piece for Conservative Home about the importance of volunteering.
Jonathan Isaby
