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Final push in Hartlepool poll
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Campaigning in the Hartlepool by-election has continued ahead of Thursday's vote.

Labour is defending a substantial majority although it is facing a combined last minute push from both the Conservatives and the Lib Dems.

The by-election follows Peter Mandelson's appointment as a European commissioner.

Labour hopes it can see off a Lib Dem challenge to its 14,000 majority following a bitter by-election campaign.

Labour has accused the Lib Dems of failing to select a local candidate.

The party claims Jody Dunn is not living in the constituency - in contrast to its man Iain Wright.

But Charles Kennedy says Hartlepool voters should use tomorrow's poll to send the prime minister a message.

"Tony Blair talks about winning trust and urges people to look back at his party's manifesto pledges. Has he already forgotten that he broke his promise at the last election not to introduce tuition fees?" he said.

"The prime minister says he can’t take the Liberal Democrats seriously. It's time he did."

The Conservatives, meanwhile, hope to retain second place in order to boost Michael Howard's flagging leadership.

Tory candidate Jeremy Middleton claims Lib Dem supporters are switching to the Conservatives as polling day looms.

He also believes Labour's record in government will boost his party's chances in Thursday's poll.

Published: Wed, 29 Sep 2004 00:01:00 GMT+01
Author: Craig Hoy

The candidates are:

  • Edward Abrams (English Democrats)

  • Stephen Allison (UK Independence Party)

  • Philip Berriman (Independent)

  • John Bloom (Respect)

  • Ronnie Carroll (Independent)

  • Jody Dunn (Liberal Democrat)

  • Christopher Herriot (Socialist Labour Party)

  • Alan Hope (Monster Raving Loony Party)

  • Jeremy Middleton (Conservative)

  • Richard Rodgers (The Common Good)

  • Iris Ryder (Green Party)

  • James Starkey (National Front)

  • Paul Watson (Fathers 4 Justice)

  • Iain Wright (Labour)