Most of the attention on the number of candidates for the May 5 local elections has centred on the relative numbers compared to 2007. The Lib Dems are contesting 59.2 per cent (down from 63.6 per cent), the Tories are fighting 93.7 per cent (up from 88.7 per cent) and Labour has candidates for 72.1 per cent (up from 60.5 per cent).
Clearly this narrative conveys a sense of momentum for Labour in particular, representing a rise of a fifth in its army of candidates.
Bear in mind though that the figure is still six points lower than 1999, when the party fought in 77.9 per cent of wards.
Jim Pickard
Kiran Stacey