Lib Dem leader Sir Ed Davey
(Picture: PA)Tory MPs are “looking over their shoulders” at the Lib Dems, leader Sir Ed Davey claimed on Wednesday as he unveiled his first General Election candidate.
The Lib Dems are launching a bid to recapture seats they recently lost in south west London. Bobby Dean, who owns a communications business, has been unveiled as their candidate in the marginal Carshalton and Wallington constituency.
The seat was held by former Coalition minister Tom Brake from 1997 until the 2019 election when Conservative Elliot Colburn won by a majority of 629 votes.
The Lib Dems are also targeting the Conservatives’ so-called “blue wall” seats in the south of England following their recent by-election victory in Chesham and Amersham.
A party strategist told the Standard south west London was a “top target” and they were selecting candidates now so they are “fighting fit” for the election.
They hope to win over Tory voters in the capital who have become “completely disillusioned with Boris Johnson”.
Next on their hit list is Wimbledon where the Conservatives have a majority of just over one per cent.
Sir Ed said: “After our big win in Chesham and Amersham, Conservative MPs across the country are looking over their shoulder at Liberal Democrat challengers.”
He also claimed at the next General Election, for many parts of London and the rest of the country, it will be a “two horse race” between the Conservatives and Lib Dems.
The last election was a disaster for the Lib Dems with their former leader, Jo Swinson, stepping down after losing her seat, leaving the party with just 11 MPs.
