The Iraq war and tuition fees are expected to have an effect on the 2005 election, but the Labour Party are still favoured to win with a majority of at least 80. The party can afford to lose more support in their core constituencies if most marginals are retained but they face a tough fight in many areas.

TOP LABOUR TARGETS

1. Basingstoke
Held by Tories, 880 votes (1.8%)
It was a close run-thing in the last election in this prosperous constituency and the present MP Andrew Hunter resigned the Tory whip in 2002 and stood for the Northern Ireland assembly. His successor, Maria Miller is favoured to beat Labour.
2005 candidate: Paul Harvey

2. Brent East
Lib Dems, 1,118 (5.3%)
Labour unsuccessfully defended the multi-ethnic area of urban London in the 2003 by-election after the death of Paul Daisley and the result was a barometer of anti-Iraq feeling. Islington councillor Sarah Teather won for the Lib Dems a seat in which it had not much of a track record. However it is expected to revert to Labour this time.
2005 candidate: Yasmin Qureshi

3. Leicester South Lib Dems, 1,654 votes (5.6%)
An apparently safe seat in 2001 but a by-election and anti-Iraq war sentiment saw the Lib Dems claim a constituency which has a high number of Muslim voters. The Lib Dems are expected to face a tough battle to retain it.
2005 candidate: Peter Soulsby

4. Wyre Forest
Held by Kidderminster Hospital & Health Concern, 17,360 (35.9%)
The win by Dr Richard Taylor was one of the most dramatic results of the 2001 election. He stood as a campaigner for Kidderminster hospital, which was being downgraded in a reorganisation of the NHS in the region. A tough seat to retain with the Tories and Labour neck and neck.
2005 candidate: Marc Bayliss