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Now here’s a thing. The Conservatives have let quite a big cat out of the election bag.
It seems they have inadvertently revealed that the York Central constituency is not a Tory target seat.
Like all the parties contesting the General Election on May 7, the Tories have lists of seats they think are safe, that are winnable and that are most likely out of reach.
Usually they try to keep that a secret.
URLs bells…
The Conservatives have never been the most internet savvy party.
And it seems someone at Tory HQ decided to save images of its candidates in certain constituencies with this three-word phrase in the URL address:
This was gleefully revealed on the website of PR man and Liberal Democrat Mark Pack. Here’s an example:
A non-target seat is either one that they think is a walkover – or one they can’t win.
York Central a no-go?
Now the full list of “non-target candidates” has been revealed. And it includes the name of one Robert McIlveen, Conservative candidate for York Outer.
As this seat was won by Labour MP Hugh Bayley with a 6,400 vote majority in 2010 (Labour 40% of votes, Tories 26%), it looks to be labelled a non-target because Tory central office consider it unwinnable.
Incidentally, if you type in the URL for Robert’s Conservative HQ photograph, this now comes up:
Perhaps some hasty deleting has taken place.
‘Fighting for votes’
He told us:
Labour in York might take this city for granted, but with the incompetence they have shown running the council they might be in for a surprise in May.
The Labour Party is yet to pick a candidate.
Election ‘most open for years’
This election actually seems to be the most open and uncertain for years.
Nick said people are telling him that they don’t want a candidate who sees “being a York MP as just a logical extension of their career path”.
Someone who doesn’t see York as a meal ticket, with recent working life experience outside of politics, who will put theirs and York’s interests before personal political career ambition.
It could be a very interesting contest.
It is unwise to make assumptions.
There has just been a State election in Queensland, Australia.
The ruling Liberal/Nationals (equivalent of UK conservatives) had a huge majority and were expected to comfortably be returned, albeit with a few lost seats including possibly their own leader.
Everyone said they would win easily. TV pundits, radio, press. Even the opposition admitted they had little chance.
BUT
On the day Labour did incredibly well and came first (but only just).
With the help of independents who hold the balance of power Labour are now in government in Queensland.
So never presume anything.
The only poll that counts is the one on polling day.
Given the imposition of female only candidates by Labour in York; and a final short list with no local representative it is quite possible for them to lose the seat.
With huge Baylie I agree now he is stepping down who knows
Guess we’d best show ‘Dave’ he’s wrong and give the Conservatives a landslide victory in York Central ð
If they don’t think they can take York in its current shambolic state, they never will.
I think that they haven’t considered the depth and strength of feeling of York residents who are utterly appalled at how ineffective the Labour council has been.
Well said Mr Jones.
If there’s ever been a time to really go for it in York Central, it’s now!
well i think they can well i hope they can
Huw Davies Harry Wilkinson Sad times. Especially what with the Labour MP retiring meaning no incumbency factor for new Conservative to work against. And ground sentiment has been hardening against the incompetent Labour-run council. Looks like this time central office have underestimated the potential for York Central to go blue!
We should fight to win every seat. I don’t care whether the national Party say that or not, that’s my line.