Conservative Party: ‘We only need one in fifteen to change their minds and we win’

Published: 25 March, 2010
by TOM FOOT

THERE were a few barking dogs and the odd snarling Lib Dem voter, but a major push from Conservative Party HQ to win the Hampstead and Kilburn constituency on Monday was hailed as success by Chris Philp.

Around 35 MPs – including three front benchers – and 30 activists took to the streets throughout the day in show of support for the Conservative candidate.

Mr Philp, who is also a councillor in Gospel Oak, said: “It shows how seriously David Cameron and the Conservative Party are taking this seat. It shows how important it is to the general election. 

“We only need one in 15 people to change their minds to win. That is not many.”

Because of enforced boundary changes, the old Hampstead and Highgate constituency has been dramatically altered and now reaches as far west as Kensal Rise.

It is a heavily residential, low-rise suburbia – a former Labour heartland won by Lib Dem housing spokesman Sarah Teather MP in 2003. 

The New Journal joined Richard Spring, Conservative MP for Suffolk who is stepping down at the next election, and Edward Garnier, MP for Harborough, on the walkabout.

Mr Spring said: “We have been out pretty much every Monday in the marginal constituencies across the country. I always make sure to wear a large rosette – otherwise people think we’re Jehovah’s Witnesses.”

Mr Spring, a former City banker and wearing Gucci shoes, spoke to people in their homes and engaged Mr Garnier in conversation about his collection of antiquarian clocks. The MPs praised Mr Philp’s “intellectualism” and “energy”.

Not to be outdone, the Lib Dems had leafleted every door before Cllr Philp’s supporters had arrived.

The New Journal found Lib Dem candidate Ed Fordham, and other Lib Dem politicians from Camden, taking names for a petition against Conservative transport cuts and handing out campaign literature at five street stalls.

Mr Fordham said: “To have so many MPs just felt to me so disingenuous. It was a show of strength, rather than a conversation with voters.”

There was no extra campaigning by the Labour Party in Brondesbury and Queen’s Park on Monday.