The Labour challenger in Broxtowe insists the numbers look tight in the local poll but he could still “nick” a win with a “fair wind”.
Greg Marshall said his team had “left nothing on the pitch” in a hard fought campaign which has seen hundreds of Labour activists knock on 30,000 doors and meet tens of thousands of voters.
He refused to blame Jeremy Corbyn and the Labour leadership for what is looking like a bleak night for the party.
With former MP Anna Soubry, of the Independent Group for Change, widely expected to be squeezed by the main parties, Broxtowe looks to be a straight fight between Labour and Conservatives.
Labour activists in Broxtowe are maintaining a brave face following a devastating exit poll, which suggests their seats could fall below 191 seats.
“The national results are looking disappointing,” said Mr Marshall, who arrived at the count with his wife, Jane.
“I am confident that Broxtowe will buck the national trend. It is going to be a tough night. A tight night. But with a fair wind we might nick it.”
Mr Marshall praised his team, which has fanned out across the Labour heartlands in Beeston and the Rylands morning, noon and night.
“I have been really pleased with the campaign,” he said. “We can all hold our heads high.”
Mr Marshall refused to judge Mr Corbyn, at least tonight.
“The messages we have been saying, I am supportive of,” said Mr Marshall. “I am not going to hang anyone out to dry.”
The Conservative candidate, Darren Henry, is yet to arrive at the count in Beeston, but Tory activists are looking quietly confident.
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