[A-List] UK state: political realignment

["Michael Keaney" <michael.keaney@xxxxxx>]

LibDems move right as Tories are targeted
DEBORAH SUMMERS
The Herald, 5 December 2002

CHARLES Kennedy validated suggestions that the Liberal Democrats had taken a
tactical move to the right yesterday with a campaign to target one million
former Conservatives.

The LibDem leader at Westminster has written to disaffected Tories in more
than 100 key constituencies, contrasting the dire state of their party with
"the united and effective opposition provided by the Liberal Democrats".

In the letter, Mr Kennedy states: "As support for the Conservatives is
falling, more people are turning to the Liberal Democrats. Even many former
Conservative MPs, MEPs, and councillors have switched to the Liberal
Democrats. They say the Liberal Democrats offer a fresh and honest approach
to Britain's problems."

The Herald has learned that the LibDem leadership has taken a strategic
decision to position itself to the right of Labour in a bid to woo
disenchanted Conservative voters.

Party activists have already drawn up a "hit-list" of former Tories they
want to convert.

A senior party insider said. "We want to be seen as liberal with a small
'l', taking votes from people who are traditionally conservative with a
small 'c'."

The ideological argument within the party is not being couched in left-wing,
right-wing terms. The source said: "It won't be a radical repositioning. It
will be more of a drip, drip, drip effect."