politicalbetting.com on "The Contest for Luton"

Last Friday politicalbetting.com posted an analysis of the battle for the two Luton Westminster constituencies, you can read it here.

Overall it is a very balanced and accurate assessment. However, I do think it underplays the strength of the Liberal Democrats in Luton. But then you probably think I am obliged to say that!

Where I would take issue with the article is the way it solely attributes changes in the support for the Liberal Democrats in the town to changes in the voting pattern of our Muslim community. While this is a hugely important factor, there is more going on in the politics of the town than just Muslim voters changing their vote over the Iraq war.

Finally, if he happens to read this, can I welcome the author of the post, Sean Fear, to our wonderful town.

UPDATE: I am grateful to Martin Howes for pointing out an inaccuracy in the politicalbetting.com article. It was the Lib Dems who got the biggest share of the vote in Luton South in the May 2007 local election. Not Labour as the article states. I can’t resist making the point that despite us winning the most votes under first past the post Labour won the most seats (13 to our 11).

This content was originally posted on my old Process Guy blog.