Notwithstanding the combined might of CCHQ, a visit from the Prime Minister and an excellent local Candidate the Conservatives started in third place before the Oldham East and Saddleworth by-election and are still in third place after the by-election. I have to say I am not altogether surprised Labour held on I remember campaigning in Winchester back in 1997. The Conservatives lost on General Election day by just two votes; the losing Conservative Candidate won the right to a re-run after a Court battle and lost the re-run by about 20,000 votes if I remember correctly. It seems voters do not take kindly to the Courts ordering re-runs of election whatever the reason!

Having returned from Westminster last night I have been working in the Constituency office today and also held one of my regular surgeries.