Labour candidate out of the election race in Northampton South

12.00.00am GMT Thu 18th Mar 2010

Labour's candidate for Northampton South has admitted he has no prospect of making any impression in the General Election.

Speaking to his local newspaper, the Waltham Forest Guardian, Clyde Loakes was quoted as saying "It is no longer classed as a marginal seat. I am doing this for the experience."

Liberal Democrat Parliamentary Candidate for Northampton South, Paul Varnsverry, commented "It has been apparent for some time that the constituency Labour Party in Northampton South is imploding. The toxic effects of former Labour Party members, plus a parliamentary candidate who does not live and has not lived in the constituency for decades, are what in combination with Labour's national woes have truly destroyed their prospects."

"There is still everything to play for in Northampton South, despite the incumbent MP and a former MP believing they both already have it in the bag. When one carries the stigma of the expenses scandal and the other is perceived by residents as someone who "doesn't even like the town", because of their negative attitude towards everything; voters - including lifelong Labour voters - are making it clear they will be switching their allegiances to the Liberal Democrats at the General Election and pledging their support for me."