Interesting report in The Times suggesting that CCHQ is adopting a cautious approach to its use of resources.
In a move that may be unconnected to the modest trimming of the Tory lead in national opinion polls the Conservative Party is "quietly withdrawing resources from some “landslide” seats to maximise David Cameron’s chances of winning a workable majority."
The Times also suggests that Liberal Democrat MPs may be harder to oust than CCHQ had hoped. It suggests that, for example, the party fears Cheadle may not turn blue:
"Cheadle, currently held by Liberal Democrats with a majority of just under 4,000, is among seats no longer regarded as likely to fall despite a well-funded, two-year campaign to woo key groups of voters. Party strategists privately admit that some incumbent MPs, particularly Lib Dems, are putting up fiercer-than-expected resistance."
I should imagine our energetic candidate in Cheadle, Ben Jeffreys, will be choking on his cornflakes as he reads that.
Some working class Labour voters are also reportedly returning to the red column as anger over the 10p tax band diminshes.
I have not yet been able to raise a contact at CCHQ to test their reaction to this piece.
Tim Montgomerie
> Last year I asked for your views on whether the Tories should direct more resources into 'landslide targets'.