Tory Defection Highlights Risk to Dorset

11.23.51am GMT Wed 19th Jan 2005

Commenting on the defection from the Conservatives to Labour of Robert Jackson M.P. Graham Oakes said "It is almost becoming a tradition in the run up to the General Election for a Tory M.P. to jump ship to Labour, its hardly a big leap from one centre right party to another."

"However two things will be of interest locally. Firstly it is a blow to the local Tories in their efforts to win South Dorset when a long standing Tory M.P. believes Tony Blair is a better leader than Michael Howard."

"But what is most damning for the Tories is the main reason he gave was the 8% cuts in public spending - 20 times greater than the savage cuts imposed by Margaret Thatcher! Cuts in public services will hit hardest in rural and relatively low funded areas. Dorset County Council, Purbeck District Council and Weymouth 7 Portland Borough Council are already under funded and heading for cuts this year.

Robert Jackson is saying if the Tories win then this will be bad news for South Dorset"