Labour byelection activists warned: ‘Show respect to Tory voters or go home’

The party has warned its campaigners about their attitude to Conservative voters in true blue constituencies

Labour activists campaigning before a byelection in a safe Conservative seat have been told to leave if they feel unable to be respectful to Tory voters, as the party attempts to tackle the assumption that it cannot compete in true blue heartlands.

Direct Tory attacks are also being scrapped or significantly toned down as Labour strategists try to convince voters in the Mid Bedfordshire seat that their candidate will put the “constituency ahead of the party” if necessary, should he win the seat.