Remain pact could target up to 60 seats, say Lib Dems
THE Liberal Democrats are to announce a Remain pact in up to 60 seats today as Jo Swinson predicted an electoral breakthrough by the party could result in more MPS defecting to it.
Ms Swinson said the pact could make a “significant difference” as the Lib Dems, Plaid Cymru or Green Party stand down in seats to allow the Remain-supporting MP with the best chance of winning to have a clear run.
She said the Lib Dems would be the biggest beneficiaries, with potentially tens of thousands of extra voters swinging behind the party’s efforts to revoke Article 50 and block Brexit.
“Mostly it’s going to be Lib Dems that are going to be best placed to win,” said Ms Swinson, reaffirming her ambition for a “breakthrough” election to install her as prime minister.
“In Wales, there will be Plaid Cymru. In terms of the Greens, we are working constructively. It could make a significant difference. It could be an important part of it. In the vast majority of places Lib Dems are going to be the strongest voice for Remain.”
The pacts have been co-ordinated by campaign group Unite to Remain and will be unveiled by Heidi Allen, the former Tory MP who joined the Lib Dems.
Ms Swinson said more MP defections to the Lib Dems were “entirely feasible”. “I have always said that people who share our liberal values are welcome in the Liberal Democrats,” she said. “There are people who are excited to see the Lib Dems winning more seats and that includes people in other parties.” Ms Swinson’s campaigning yesterday targeted three Conservative seats of Finchley and Golders Green, Watford, and Esher and Walton.
Ms Swinson said: “We are delighted that an agreement has been reached. This is a significant moment for all people who want to support Remain candidates across the country.”
The party also unveiled pledges to provide free childcare from nine months and to recruit 20,000 more teachers as part of an extra £10billion a year for schools.
It also pledged to invest £15billion insulating homes to tackle climate change and fuel poverty, and to invest £11 billion in mental health services.