Labour Minister urges Lib Dem vote to beat Howard

Labour Minister Denis MacShane has urged local Labour supporters to vote Lib Dem to beat Michael Howard in Folkestone & Hythe. Speaking in Maidstone, Mr MacShane said "Everybody in Folkestone should unite to get rid of Michael Howard."

Labour finished a poor third at the last General Election, but received around 9000 votes. Mr Howard's majority is less than 6000. If enough Labour voters switch to back Lib Dem Peter Carroll then Mr Howard will be defeated.

Peter Carroll said, "I am delighted to hear such a senior Labour Minister saying this to Labour voters. We are heading for a close finish in the election and if former Labour supporters switch to the Lib Dems, Michael Howard will lose his seat."