Labour leader Keir Starmer is facing accusations of plotting a pact with the Liberal Democrats as a leaked document suggests that Labour will leave several seats in the Blue Wall for the Lib Dems to contest. The document lists 211 constituencies as "non-battleground" areas, including six seats currently held by Lib Dem MPs and 205 traditionally Conservative seats that have seen recent Lib Dem victories in by-elections.
Tory MP Claims "Lib-Lab Pact" in Action
Tory MP Jonathan Gullis has seized on the leaked document, claiming that it provides evidence of a "Lib-Lab pact" in action, despite denials from Labour. Gullis argues that this shows Labour cannot be trusted to be honest with the public.
Labour to Step Back in High Profile Tory Seats
The leaked document also reveals that Labour will not actively contest certain high-profile Tory seats, including Chancellor Jeremy Hunt's Godalming and Ash constituency and Justice Secretary Alex Chalk's Cheltenham seat. Polling suggests that both of these seats are likely to go to the Lib Dems in the next election, led by Sir Ed Davey.
Labour Strategists Eye Unlisted Seats
The leaked document hints that Labour strategists believe they have a chance in the 439 seats that have been left off the low-priority list. This suggests that Labour may focus their efforts on these seats, hoping to secure victories against the Conservatives.
Lib Dems See Opportunity in Windsor
The Windsor Liberal Democrats have reacted with excitement to the leaked document, claiming that it confirms their belief that Windsor is a two-way race between the Lib Dems and the Conservatives. Their candidate, Julian Tisi, stated that "even Labour agrees" that it's between the Lib Dems and the Conservatives in Windsor.
Tactical Voting and the General Election
Pollster Luke Tryl suggests that the pattern of one party, either the Lib Dems or Labour, putting in less effort in by-elections has signaled to voters who is best placed to challenge the Conservatives. This could lead to significant tactical voting in the General Election, even without a formal pact between the parties. Tryl believes that this could further damage the Conservative Party led by Rishi Sunak.
No Election Pact, Say Labour and Lib Dems
A Labour source has denied any election pact with "any party" and dismissed claims of a Lib-Lab pact as Tory attempts to deflect attention from their own issues. The source emphasized Labour's recent by-election wins as evidence that they are focused on securing a majority in the next election without the need for coalitions or pacts. A spokesperson for the Liberal Democrats echoed this sentiment, stating that there will be no pacts or deals and that resources will be allocated where they believe they can win.
Did you miss our previous article…
https://hellofaread.com/politics/grant-shapps-criticizes-sadiq-khans-decision-to-block-cars-for-ukraine-scheme/
