Interesting coverage in The Times today of the forthcoming Norwich North by-election. The paper argues that a "wounded and angry city" could turn away from Labour and make the "no hoper" Chloe Smith a credible candidate.
From even my basic understanding of the electoral numbers this seems an incredible interpretation. The seat is Conservative target number 168 at the next General Election. The Conservatives would have to win seats like these to get an overall majority and current polling figures should give them the swing required to win here even in a General Election.
This is a by-election, so naturally the Governing party will do relatively badly.
Either The Times are extraordinarily badly briefed, or they want a Conservative victory to seem like a surprise against the odds victory. I give them enough credit to think the latter is true. If so why? Is it to make a better story or are they actively supporting the Conservatives?
I wonder if Rupert Murdoch has been to any meetings in Westminster recently...
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