Lib Dems intensify efforts to replace Conservative 'big beasts' in final campaign week

In the final days leading up to the election, the Liberal Democrats, under the leadership of Ed Davey, have significantly expanded their target seats, aiming to secure around 250,000 predominantly Labour-leaning voters in constituencies across southern England. Notable areas being focused on include Maidenhead, Didcot, Wantage, Mid Sussex, Eastleigh, Bicester, Woodstock, Frome, East Somerset, and Torbay. Despite expectations of winning over 50 seats, the Lib Dems have expressed surprise at the lack of attention from the Tories, who are warning voters that supporting the Lib Dems could lead to a stronger Labour majority. Senior Conservatives have been strategically circulating leaflets in Lib Dem target seats, suggesting that Labour is the real challenger in an attempt to suppress the Lib Dem turnout and divide the anti-Tory vote. Meanwhile, the Liberal Democrats have intensified their efforts to target key Tory-held constituencies, particularly those of prominent figures like Jeremy Hunt in Godalming and Ash, and Gillian Keegan in Chichester. Polls indicate a close race in these areas, with the Lib Dems poised to potentially outperform the Conservatives. The Liberal Democrats have been focusing on traditional Tory heartland seats in the Blue Wall, as well as their own former safe seats in the South West, which were lost post-Brexit. Issues such as sewage problems in Keegan's constituency have been highlighted by the Lib Dems, with candidate Jess Brown-Fuller pointing out high-profile mistakes made by Keegan. Tactical voting alliances between local Labour and Lib Dem supporters have also emerged in an effort to unseat Conservative incumbents like Hunt. As the election approaches, the political landscape remains dynamic, with the Liberal Democrats making a concerted push to challenge the Tories in key constituencies, while facing strategic moves from the Conservative camp to maintain their hold on power. The outcome of the election in these closely contested seats could have a significant impact on the balance of power in Parliament.