Andy D'Agorne

Newsnight: Greens could push Labour into 3rd place in Norwich North

Newsnight's Michael Crick last night spelled out Labour's nightmare scenario in the Norwich North by-election:that there is a chance "that they [Labour] might come third behind the Greens." (1)

Michael Crick pointed out that "the Greens are Strong in Norwich," already having a strong base in Norwich South and having gone from fourth to first place in a couple of divisions in Norwich North since the last county elections (2). The Greens have thirteen city councillors in Norwich, where they outpolled all comers in this year's county and European elections. They also have seven county councillors in the Norwich city area, a gain of five this year.

Liberal Democrats "might be leapfrogged and come fourth behind the Greens"

Earlier in the report Michael Crick accused the Liberal democrats of running a very negative campaign against Green Party candidate and local city councillor Dr Rupert Read. Michael Crick pointed out that the Liberal Democrats "might even be leapfrogged and become fourth choice for voters behind the Greens."

Norwich Greens are pursuing their campaign "calmly and systematically without over-egging their chances," according to a source close to their campaign HQ. The Green vote has not hitherto been as high in the Norwich North constituency as in Norwich South.

 Heworth By- election

 Meanwhile a hitherto 'safe' Labour seat in Heworth ward in York is to face a by-election following the resignation of colourful councillor Paul Blanchard. In the 2007 election in this ward the Lib Dems were bottom of the poll, behind the BNP (13%) and Greens (18%) so a collapse of the Labour vote here could either favour the Conservatives (who have the balance of power on the council) or the Greens.