Will Corbyn be a turn-on or turn-off in Southport?

Veteran Southport journalist Martin Hovden writes: What sort of reaction would Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn receive if he came to Southport during the general election?

Former West Lancs Mayor Liz Savage (pictured) is his party’s candidate in the town. Her campaign so far has been underwhelming, although there are signs it’s beginning to pick up.

Surely she would welcome a visit by Jeremy, considering the massive crowds (pictured) he attracted in York yesterday.

But it would be a risk. He definitely appeals to young people with his message of helping the many and not the few. And he did generate an excellent response in terms of numbers and support when he spoke on the steps of Liverpool’s St George’s Hall recently.

However, there is no doubt a lot of people, especially former members of the Armed Forces plus representatives of his own party, including Labour MPs, are not fans. He’s too left-wing, too weak, too uninspiring to be our Prime Minister claim his critics.

I remember interviewing former Labour leader Michael Foot in the early 1980s in Birkenhead. I was very impressed. A caring, decent and honourable man. But the Press and the public turned against him. He had to go.

Is Jeremy Corbyn facing a similar fate?

So, if Liz Savage is offered a visit to Southport by her party, would she be wise to accept? It would certainly boost her profile but would it also remind voters who is currently in charge of Labour?

Liz netted 8,468 votes in 2015. Pollsters claim she will only win just over 6,700 votes on June 8^th – a drop of nearly 2,000.

Maybe she has nothing to lose.