Labour: We don't like losing

Labour lost the Crewe vote

Friday, 23, May 2008 12:00

The Labour party doesn't like losing, but the Crewe and Nantwich by-election has been "difficult," a Labour spokesman has admitted.

Speaking to politics.co.uk moments ago, a Labour spokesman insisted his party "fights all elections to win".

"By-elections are always difficult," he continued.

"Eleven years into office they're always going to be tough and when you add in families feeling the pinch it gets even more difficult. But nor is it an indication of the general election to come."

In the face of media criticism of Labour's controversial 'Tory toff' leaflets, he also stressed the party had fought an honourable campaign.

"We fought very hard today," he said.

"We've got a phenomenal candidate in Tamsin Dunwoody. She's a formidable fighter, and she fought good campaign.

"The national media has focused on this question of toffs, but when you look at local coverage, local leaflets, it's been focused on rejuvenating the town centre and tackling anti-social behaviour so Labour fought a strong campaign on the issues," he concluded.

But pushed on whether he thought Labour could still win it, he replied: "I'm resisting all temptations to speculate on results until they’re called."