MEP hails positive poll results for South West

12.00.00am BST (GMT +0100) Wed 14th Apr 2010

Graham Watson MEP has commented on the latest poll by PoliticsHome that shows the Tories have failed to win over the South West despite a concerted campaign by David Cameron and Conservative Central Office.

The figures show that support for the Conservatives remains at 39%, the same level seen in the 2005 General Election. The Tories had hoped to see a large swing in their favour, and have targeted Lib Dem strongholds by pumping in vast amounts of resources.

Watson said;

"These figures are testament to the Lib Dem MPs, Parliamentary Candidates, Councillors and campaigners who have worked hard for the people they represent over many years.

"People in the South West cannot be bought by Ashcroft's millions and Cameron's spin. They respect hard work, honesty and commitment to the South West, and that is why they respect the Lib Dems.

"We will continue the fight to convince voters that it is the Lib Dems who offer the brightest future for the South West and Britain."

Watson also highlighted the Conservatives' apparent strategy of "hiding" some of their more controversial candidates and relying on a national campaign to secure success in the region.

"There are examples of Conservative candidates in the South West choosing to duck out of hustings and public meetings. They hope to keep their heads down, avoid contact with public and ride the wave of Labour's failure all the way to Westminster.

"But what kind of MPs will these people make? What does this tell us about Cameron's 'changed' Conservative Party?

"The Lib Dems must show that there is a real alternative to the status quo. Only we can provide real change and help build a fairer Britain."

More details on the PoliticsHome survey can be found here; http://page.politicshome.com/uk/article/7761/the_view_from_the_regions.html.