Shadow cabinet pledge 340 campaigning days to May 1st's elections

ConservativeHome has learnt that the shadow cabinet (some of them pictured on the right) has pledged the equivalent of 340 campaigning days to the local and mayoral elections over the next few weeks.  This includes at least three days of campaigning per shadow cabinet member during recess.  Eric Pickles MP, who has helped to organise campaigning that will see frontbenchers tour the whole country, said that it was the best ever response.

William Hague is in Bradford today to launch the Tory campaign in that part of Yorkshire.

A new analysis in the Local Government Chronicle - published today - suggests that May 1st could be a good night for the Conservatives:

"According to leading election expert Prof Colin Rallings of the LGC elections centre at the University of Plymouth, resurgent Tories could make gains deep in traditional Labour heartlands. The Tories require only two percent swings to win control of North Tyneside Council, registering their first metropolitan council in the north-east, as well as a first Welsh council in Vale of Glamorgan Council.  A six percent swing on the 2004 result will win them Cheltenham BC. It will also be looking to retain Coventry City Council, a surprise Conservative win in 2006.  Labour, in contrast, could lose control of Reading BC for the first time since 1986. Nuneaton & Bedworth BC, one of only four councils it controls in the West Midlands, could turn Tory on a four percent swing."

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