ANALYSIS

With the exception of the 2001 poll when Labour’s Emily Thornberry ran Sir Julian Brazier to within 2,000 votes, the Conservative has coasted to six general election victories.

That is what made the Green Party suggestion of a unity “progressive” candidate so tantalising. Had it come to fruition, we could have been in for the closest and therefore the most interesting election battle Canterbury has seen in modern times.

Alas, Labour is showing no interest in the idea and the Lib Dems are unequivocal in their determination to make Canterbury and Whitstable theirs.

Voters are, of course, free to make their own choice and for the sake of defeating Sir Julian could switch their allegiances, depending on which of his opponents they think has best the chance of toppling him.

Such are the battle lines drawn that there could be another intriguing prospect.

Recognising that Sir Julian has been an unwavering supporter of the UK’S departure from the European Union, Ukip could pull out of the contest so that voters have the opportunity to back a single pro-brexit candidate.

With the “Progressive Alliance” idea killed in its infancy, however, the most probable outcome now is another Conservative victory.

And that is exactly what those invited to form the alliance don’t want.