More papers identify Lib Dems as main threat to Labour

12.00.00pm UTC (GMT +0000) Tue 2nd May 2006

In the final few days of the campaign, more more newspapers have identified Camden in general - and the Lib Dems in particular as the contest and party to watch.

Labour only needs to lose 3 wards in order to lose overall control...

"Labour's support base has already eroded, particularly over Iraq. Frank Dobson suffered an 11% swing to the Lib Dems at the general election despite his opposition to the war. "Labour is in very big trouble. We are going for overall control and [their] strongholds like Kilburn are falling into our laps," claimed Keith Moffitt, the Lib Dem group leader. The Greens could split the disaffected Labour vote in some marginal seats. But Lewis Baston, co-author of Politico's Guide to the 2005 Election, believes the council may well fall to no overall control - and that a minority Lib Dem administration is feasible." The Guardian - 2nd May

"The Lib Dems are hoping to win back Richmond from the Conservatives. Camden, Southwark and Haringey are also good opportunities for the Lib Dems to demonstrate continued local strength under their new leader, Sir Menzies Campbell." The Telegraph 1st May

"JOHN SMILLIE, a lifelong Labour supporter, was jubilant when Tony Blair brought years of Tory rule to an end in 1997. Despite doubts about some of new Labour's policies, he continued to vote for the party in all further elections. But the events of the last month have changed that. "There's just as much sleaze now as there was under the Tories," Mr Smillie, 58, said. "We've had the peerages and now we have Charles Clarke releasing all these foreign prisoners. Camden is overrun with drug-related problems and the last thing we need is more criminals on the streets." For the first time his support will be going elsewhere in this week's local elections. "I think the Lib Dems will be getting my vote."

Primrose Hill, where Mr Smillie lives, has been run by Camden Council's Labour administration for nearly 40 years. But, to judge by the mood on its streets, the Liberal Democrats might be about to take away its overall majority. In the borough, which stretches from Regent's Park to Hampstead Heath, some formerly stalwart Labour supporters have other reasons for changing their preference. John O'Donnell, 53, said that he could not forgive Tony Blair for the Iraq war. However, he the main reason for turning his back on Labour was their "failure to protect the working man". Yvonne Lloyd, a teacher at Pentonville prison, agreed that Iraq was an issue. But the main reason for her "wavering" was education policy. "They keep changing their minds and policies every two or three weeks," Mrs Lloyd said." The Times - 2nd May

"Inside the cabinet there is as yet unvoiced concern at the possibility that Labour is going to lose control of the capital, including once-safe Labour councils such as Camden and Haringey. Some Labour councils, such as Merton, Hammersmith and Fulham and Croydon, are already assumed lost. The general mood is that where the Liberal Democrats are organised in London, Labour will suffer." The Guardian 27th April

"In London, where all seats are up for election rather than a third as elsewhere, Lib Dems hope to win outright control in Southwark and Lambeth, and to make big gains in Camden, Brent, Haringey and Harrow." The Times - 27th April

"The Lib Dems are targeting Richmond, which they hope to win back from the Tories, but they are also pressing Labour in Camden, Brent and Haringey." The Times - 26th April