Lib Dems “breathing down Howard’s neck”
The Liberal Democrats are convinced they can offer a strong candidate to beat Michael Howard, Tory leader in-waiting at the next general election.
Michael Howard is odds on favourite to take control of the Tory party after Iain Duncan Smith lost a no confidence vote this week.
Lord Rennard, Lib Dems head of strategy and campaigns, said his party would claim the constituency of Folkestone and Hythe from Mr Howard, who hangs onto the seat with a 5,907 majority.
The Lib Dems would take the seat with a 6.5 per cent swing.
The Lib Dems are banking on floating voters tactically switching allegiance to depose Mr Howard.
Lord Rennard told the BBC: “There is a Labour vote of just over 9000 and Michael Howard’s majority is less than 6000. I think there will be an irresistible temptation for Labour voters to switch.
“If you look at a seat like Michael Howard’s or you look at the seats of David Davis or Teresa May or Tim Collins or Oliver Letwin’s, the few people who are left prominent in the Conservative Party all seem to have the Lib Dems breathing down their necks.”
