Liberal Democrats have welcomed the admission from a senior local Tory that the general election fight in the Hornsey and Wood Green constituency will be a straight choice between the Lib Dems and Labour.

Former councillor Peter Forrest, the last surviving Tory councillor who was ousted by the Lib Dems in Highgate at the last local elections, commented to a local newspaper, the Crouch End Times, last week:

“This election is a desperately keen fight between Featherstone and Roche, and what happens to the Conservative vote will be absolutely crucial.”

Liberal Democrats in Hornsey and Wood Green have also received another boost, with a daughter of the former Conservative MP for the area out campaigning for the local party. Marie-Louise Rossi, who is now a Lib Dem Prospective Parliamentary Candidate, was campaigning in very familiar territory, having run previous election campaigns for her father Sir High Rossi, Tory MP for the seat until 1992. Local Lib Dems say it is yet further evidence that many former Tories are turning to the Lib Dems in their battle with Labour in the constituency.

Marie-Louise Rossi comments:

“I was delighted to be back in Highgate and to help the Lib Dem campaign in the area. The party has an excellent Parliamentary Spokesperson in Lynne Featherstone, and it is clear that the Tories have been firmly pushed into third place in the area. I wish the local Lib Dems every success in the coming year.”

Lib Dem Leader Neil Williams adds:

“This admission from the Tories confirms what many local people are realising, that only the Lib Dems can challenge Labour in the constituency. With an unpopular MP who has backed the Government on all the most controversial issues, I am sure many people will take note of this very frank admission that the Tories have no chance at all in the area.”