What the Papers say: Lib Dems Are the Real Challengers in Ealing

3.28.08pm BST (GMT +0100) Fri 29th Jun 2007

Leading press commentators have confirmed the the Liberal Dmeocrats are the key challengers in the Ealing Southall by-election. The Press Association on 28 June said "The Ealing Southall seat is likely to prove a stiffer test, with the Liberal Democrats posing the biggest threat to Labour's 11,400 margin from 2005."

Daily Mail, 28 June: "The Ealing Southall by-election was caused by the death of Labour's Piara Khabra, who had an 11,440 margin over Liberal Democrats."

Epolitix.com, 28 June: "Khabra represented a very different constituency in the London Borough of Ealing. With a 2005 Labour majority of 11,440 it would be considered safe at a general election, but is likely to be keenly contested by the Liberal Democrats."

Guardian, 27 June: "Ealing Southall was left vacant by the death of Piara Khabra, the oldest MP in parliament, last week. Although he had a majority of over 11,000, the second-placed Lib Dems enjoyed a 7.7% swing at the last election and their by-election guru Lord Rennard is likely to throw everything he has at the seat."