Norfolk expected to stay blue despite seats lost to Labour – meaning Liz Truss and James Wild could hold their places as MPs
A major new poll has suggested that the Conservatives’ grip on Norfolk teeters in the balance, with several seats within grasping distance of Labour.
A survey of 14,110 people, commissioned by the Conservative Britain Alliance, made of a group of Tory donors, and carried out by YouGov, shows a near 1997-style landslide for Labour, who would win some 385-seats.
The Conservatives meanwhile would slump to just 169, losing 196 seats compared to 2019.
While major loses are predicted for the Tories, much of Norfolk is expected to stay blue, albeit on incredibly fine margins.
This includes both South West Norfolk MP Liz Truss predicted to remain in her seat as well as North West Norfolk MP James Wild.
Comparing 2019 and future elections is difficult, with new boundaries being established. Polling is based on the new boundaries.
Broadland and Fakenham
Another seat which will see boundary changes, Broadland and Fakenham is expected to stay true-blue.
Broadland has only ever returned Conservative candidates since it was created in 2010 and the distance between the leading party and Labour stands at 8pc.
The incumbent is Jerome Mayhew, who will fight the next election.
The seat includes Acle, Aylsham, Brundall and Taverham.
Conservative – 36pc
Labour – 28pc
Lib Dem – 17pc
Reform – 11pc
Green – 6pc
Other – 2pc
North West Norfolk
The constituency has been in Conservative control since 2001.
When Tory James Wild, who will be standing again, won the seat in 2019, he increased the majority from 13,788 to 19,922, taking nearly 67pc of the vote.
Before Mr Wild, the seat was held by Sir Henry Bellingham.
Labour’s George Turner held the seat for one term between 1997 and 2001.
The YouGov poll shows the tightest race since that election, when there was just 2.3pc in it.
The seat includes King’s Lynn, Brancaster and Burnham Market.
Conservative – 36pc
Labour- 31pc
Reform – 13pc
Lib Dem – 9pc
Green – 7pc
Other – 2pc
South West Norfolk
How close Labour are to claiming Liz Truss’ seat is a considerable turnaround from the last election.
YouGov has predicted just 7pc between the incumbent and Labour. In 2019 there was a 50.9-point difference between the two groups.
Whether voters will vote tactically in an attempt to punish the former PM following her brief period in office remains to be seen.
The seat includes Downham Market, Emneth and Tilney.
Conservative – 37pc
Labour – 30pc
Reform – 15pc
Lib Dem – 9pc
Green – 7pc
Other – 3pc
