Election 2010

Cameron on the stump- a picture I took in the Romsey & Southampton North constituency

Well we are in the last week of the 2010 general election campaign and I have to say, I have been surprised

• Surprised at the effect and interest of the three Leaders debates.


• Surprised at the national 'Cleggestacy' bounce- because I really don't seem to have personally detected it at all in Southampton, despite Clegg visiting the city and


• Surprised at Labour's low key, almost defeatist campaign locally that has been almost exclusively negative and reflects very badly on them.

So what gives? There is certainly a lot of good will for the Conservatives in Southampton at the moment- more than I can ever remember in nearly 20 years of being a resident in this city. Is it enough to win? Well in terms of the local elections, my feeling now is yes, almost certainly.

And in terms of the two parliamentary seats of Southampton Itchen and Southampton Test? I honestly think that there is everything to play for- it will be a sprint to the line in what I know a year ago Labour were arrogant enough to brand 2 safe Labour seats. The next 7 days will be fascinating.