The Staggers

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Which Tories are under threat from the Lib Dems?

Oliver Letwin and Jeremy Hunt are vulnerable and Zac Goldsmith could miss out.

By George Eaton Published 22 April 2010 15:48

With the Lib Dems enjoying a sustained surge in the polls, who are the senior Tories now under at threat the election?

Top of the list is the Tories' policy wizard Oliver Letwin (the subject of an adulatory leader in today's Times) who is defending a majoirty of 2,461 in West Dorset.

Elsewhere, the shadow culture secretary, Jeremy Hunt (seen as a future Tory leader by some), defending a notional majority of 5,981 in Surrey South-West, could also fall victim to the yellow tide.

And who are the Tory hopefuls who could miss out on a seat in Parliament? In Richmond, Zac Goldsmith is now unlikely to overturn a notional Lib Dem majority of 3,649 and another PPC with a familiar surname, Annunziata Rees-Mogg, will struggle to win in Somerton and Frome, where the Tories are defending a notional majority of just 39.

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Tags: Election 2010 Liberal Democrats Zac Goldsmith

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8 comments

Fri, 2010-04-23 13:26 — GLGA (not verified)

Hardly senior, but David Heathcote-Amory, erstwhile Thatcherite minister, current foam-dripping Euro-sceptic and disgraced profligate gardener is defending a 3,040 majority in Wells, Somerset against the Lib Dem candidate Tessa Munt, who is standing for the second time and thoroughly enjoying the muckpile DHA has built for himself. No doubt we'll see him in the Lords...

Sat, 2010-04-24 07:31 — Reginald-Fah-fah

Bloody marvellous! the Great English Gentleman David Cameron won Thursday's leader's debate, it was like bring back fox hunting with a group of dogs.

Hong Kong!, the desperate Gordon Brown was trying to frighten the 'yellow belly voters' to vote for Labour. Yellow bellies get voting! Gordon Brown's little joke: "Them two remind me of my two children fighting over bathtime." He also knew the different between a woman and a man.!

Bang on! Nick Clegg done the leg work again but no one really understands what he stands for. One has to question himself whether he understands what he stands for?

Thu, 2010-04-22 15:57 — FilFox (not verified)

Nonsense, Oliver Letwin is a walkover. He is very popular, much loved, likeable guy. The Lib Dems have given up in his constituency long ago.

Thu, 2010-04-22 16:17 — James McFadden (not verified)

FilFox - I'm glad you are feeling so confident. Get down to Ladbrokes - you could earn yourself some easy money. Not prepared to put your money where your mouth is? Yeah. I thought as much.

Thu, 2010-04-22 16:20 — clairee_french

Nigel Waterson of Eastbourne (shadow pensions) has a 700 vote majority. Should be out soon

Thu, 2010-04-22 17:20 — Will (not verified)

And that's it????? 2 current and 1 trying to get in! Not a lot is it

Thu, 2010-04-22 20:37 — Andrew McLean (not verified)

Lib Dems given up in West Dorset, you must be joking! Oliver Letwin's part-time job as a City banker and the expense claim to repair a leaking pipe under him tennis court haven't done him any favours. Neither has the Conservative run District Council's plans to spend millions of pounds building themselves new offices.

Fri, 2010-04-23 12:49 — ACMJ

Oliver Who ? Is he not the mastermind of the Conservative "Big Society" DIY Government ? Oliver would rather have "less Government" and more "people power" to run the country !
Yeah right Oliver ! More a case of under the Tories , please allow MPs to do less , for more money , and you cover our backs for free!
Letwin just encourages more corruption for MPs