In the last European Election I was a candidate for the East Midlands region. This year the region is vital to the outcome of the General Election. Labour holds a number of seats which are on the Tories target list. In addition there are local factors which may lead to surprise results.Northamptonshire has the key seats of Corby (3.1% majority) and Northampton South (old Constituency was held by the Tories - but has a notional Labour Majority of 3.8% because of the boundary changes) Northampton North ( 9% majority).
Leicestershire has the seats targeted by the Tories of Leicestershire North West (David Taylor, who died in December, had held this seat since 1997 (9.5%) majority and Loughborough (where Andy Reed and Nicky Morgan are again contesting the seat. Labour has a 3.9% majority)
In Derbyshire there have been many boundary changes - and there will also be open seats as a result of retirements.
Labour held - but open seats (no 'incumbent' standing)
High Peak - 3.8% majority
Derbyshire South - 5.5% majority
Derby North - a Lib-Dem target seat (no 50 on their list)
Erewash - 15.7% majority
Nottinghamshire - The local paper reports that the Tories are targeting five seats - Broxtowe (4.4% majority) and Gedling (9.6% majority) and the "open" seats of Nottingham South, Sherwood & Ashfield. Ashfield is being targeted by the Lib-Dems. The Nottingham Post article is available here.
