Another Labour MP ducks out of defending a top Tory target

This afternoon we learnt that Joan Humble, Labour MP for Blackpool North and Fleetwood, will quit at the general election.

She would have been defending a notional majority of 3,241 in the slightly redrawn Blackpool North and Cleveleys constituency.

Her departure will be a boon to Paul Maynard, Tory candidate since December 2006, who requires a swing of 4.2% to gain the seat.

Jonathan Isaby