The result after the local elections will be very interesting in Sheffield Central. The Lib Dems seem to be pushing hard across the constituency- even in the manor.

Labour activity has slowed in Netheredge but they are still running crazy in Walkley.

I think the Lib Dem’s could get the popular vote across Central in May. That would set up an interesting general election!!!!

The LDs haven’t learnt from their mistake of last year in Central ward.

Once again they have chosen a Muslim candidate. If they had the sense to pick a white candidate here they would pick up half the Green vote.

As it is I predict a Green gain from Labour, LD holds in Netheredge, Walkley and Broomhill and a Labour hold in Manor Castle.

The Greens have been working hard in Central ward and look likely to gain their third seat in the ward (the Labour incumbent is retiring and the Lib Dems, a close third in the recent past, are barely bothering to campaign). However, the constituency is much larger and the Greens are much weaker in other wards - Broomhill, which will be a new addition to the constituency is probably their second best hope in the city.

If the Greens can keep up their profile in Central ward and Broomhill, and if their candidate can get some more attention from the public transport campaigning he focusses on, they could overtake the Conservatives for third place.

“As it is I predict a Green gain from Labour, LD holds in Netheredge, Walkley and Broomhill and a Labour hold in Manor Castle.”

I would agre with that Richard. Adding a constituency tone to that, I would to add is that I think the Lib Dem’s will get the popular vote across the constituency setting up a really intersting contest at the General Election.

DC

You said in your previous comment that the LDs are making an effort on the Manor.

As they have surely no chance of actually winning that ward do you think it’s possible that they’re doing it so that they can win the constituency as a whole?

With no elections in Sheffield next year being ahead in the whole constituency this year would be a great propaganda and morale booster. In particular it would be useful when trying to get Conservative and Green supporters here to vote LD tactically at the next general election.

2008 local elections:

LibDem 7898
Labour 7649
Green 4046
Conservative 1712
Others 115

With the LDs ahead of Labour in Central, Heeley and Penistone/Stocksbridge the advantages of pursuing an anti-Labour strategy should be apparant to Clegg.

Richard - I think the campaign in the Manor is part of the wider picture for the Lib Dems. To win Sheffield Central Constituency, they would need to have some basic infrastructure in Manor. I think this is what they are up to. Given the recent result in Manor, I doubt it is a seat they would seriously target at the Council level anytime soon.

This seat will be very interesting come the General Election.

LDs just 200 votes ahead in local elections. In 2004 Labour had an around 300 votes lead (then it depends if you take into account the average vote or the highest one. The difference shouldn’t be large) in the locals.
I would have expected a bigger LD lead if they want to take it at GE level.