Conservatives have no chance, claim Lib-Dems

The Liberal Democrats have claimed the Tories have no chance of winning the forthcoming Oldham East and Saddleworth by-election.

Business Secretary Vince Cable believes it is a straight forward fight between his party and Labour.

Mr Cable made the comments in an interview at the weekend. He also denied David Cameron would hold back in the contest not to humiliate the party.

Mr Cable said: “I think people in Oldham can do the arithmetic and can see that this is a straight fight between the Liberal Democrats and Labour.”

It is largely believed in Westminster the Tories will fight a weak campaign to avoid polling more votes than their coalition partners. The Prime Minister fuelled more speculation after he wished Elwyn Watkins, the Lib-Dem well and said he hoped for a “friendly” campaign.

Mr Cameron has confirmed he will visit the constituency to campaign for Kashif Ali, who he described as “a very strong candidate”, and insisted Tories would be “fighting for all the votes”.

Labour has selected Debbie Abrahams as its candidate.

Former Liberal Democrat leader Charles Kennedy said it was too close to call.

He added: “The impact on the individual parties is extremely unpredictable, which is why in another three weeks we will all be discussing the result of the Oldham by-election.”