Oldham: Did Cameron throw Clegg a lifeline?

So the results are in and it’s a Labour victory not a LibDem wipe out that’s making the news.

Rumours and speculation in recent weeks spoke of a ‘soft peddling’ campaign by the Tories to ensure the LibDem’s didn’t get the thrashing they feared they’d receive.

“Labour has comfortably won the Oldham East and Saddleworth by-election with a majority of more than 3,500. Debbie Abrahams held off the challenge of Lib Dem Elwyn Watkins, while the Conservatives' vote fell by more than 7,000 as they came a distant third. Labour leader Ed Miliband said it sent a "clear message" to ministers about rising VAT, tuition fees and cuts. Nick Clegg said he was pleased with the Lib Dem performance - their share of the vote was up 0.3% on May's result.”

Whether there was any truth to the Tory ‘soft peddling’ rumours today Nick Clegg must be counting his lucky stars that the By – election hasn’t become a de-facto vote of confidence in his leadership amid increasing concern by party membership over the future of the party and its identity in the Coalition Government.

Leon Green