Newspapers point to strong Lib Dem challenge to labour

9.00.00am BST (GMT +0100) Sat 15th Apr 2006

National newspapers have highlighted that Camden could fall to the strong Lib Dem challenge being presented in the current local elections.

The Times, The Guardian, The Independent and the Financial Times have all made reference to the key battle between Labour and the Lib Dems in this borough.

"We are working very hard across the borough in order to take control in May," explained Lib Dem leader, Keith Moffitt. "It is good to see our work is being recognised."

What the papers say...

The Guardian 7th April

"Labour's urban stomping-grounds, those who will battle for power in next month's local elections are faced with a menacing orange tide... They nudged Labour aside in Liverpool, Newcastle, Birmingham, Bristol and the totemic New Labour enclave of Islington. Camden, held by Labour since 1971, may well be next."

The Conservative Party Chair said "It would be quite nice if we got into second place in a few wards ... we will hope to make some progress but it is not going to be spectacular,"

The Times 3rd April

"Labour is braced for heavy losses if the elections become a referendum on whether Tony Blair should continue as Prime Minister. Its biggest setbacks could come in London, where councils such as Haringey and even Camden, which it has held since 1971, are under threat."

The Sunday Times - 9th April

"Public reaction to the Lib Dems' own leadership difficulties seems to have been confined to the opinion polls," said Rallings and Thrasher. "The Lib Dems polled over a quarter of the local vote in both 2002 and 2004. Further gains this year are within reach."

The Financial Times - 5th April

"If Labour loses traditional strongholds such as Camden there could be more calls for Mr Blair to set a date for his departure."