After David Davis’ resignation, Henley was under threat of becoming the forgotten by-election. But things are hotting up there today, with David Cameron threatening to sue the Lib Dems over some of their campaign methods.
Cameron claims the Lib Dems have misrepresented the Tory candidate John Howell’s views on a local hospital. And then there’s the Lib Dem magazine which has positioned a photo of Boris such that it looks like a picture byline, above an article endorsing the Lib Dem candidate (see this image at Conservative Home).
Boris has already lodged a complaint. And the Tories are demanding apologies and retractions from the Lib Dems. If they don’t get them, then to the courts it will be.
One thing to look out for is whether this damages Tory-Lib Dem relations in the House. That largely depends on whether Nick Clegg distances himself from the Henley campaign. If he does – and I suspect he will – then don’t expect too much fall-out.
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