Ex-LD leader, Paddy Ashdown launches move to have one non-CON candidate in Witney

Ex-LD leader, Paddy Ashdown launches move to have one non-CON candidate in Witney

But would LAB and the LDs agree?

Intriguing move from the ex-leader of the LDS, Paddy Ashdown, this evening to have a unified non-CON candidate (presumably pro-REMAIN) to fight the Tories in the upcoming Witney by-election. This is of course being held to fill the vacancy created by Cameron departure from the Commons.the

Getting such an arrangement might be tricky because it would require both the LDs, who have a good history in the seat until GE2015, and LAB to both stand aside.

One recent example of the main parties standing aside was at Tatton at GE1997 where Martin Bell successfully ousted Neil Hamilton. (UPDATE:I am reminded as well that David Davis was given a near clear run in his by-election fight in 2008)

If the Ashdon plan happened it would certainly add spice to a by-election that on the face of it appears pretty certain CON hold.

I can’t believe that Ashdown would have floated the idea without reference to his party but who knows?

Mike Smithson


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