One Tory insider said he would put money on a Conservative victory if it was “a two-horse race” – which probably depends on whether Richard Tice, the former Brexit party leader, decides to contest the seat again having taken 26% of the vote in 2019.
“We’ve got Brexit out the way now so it should be a two-horse race,” the source said. “If I didn’t know better I would say it literally was the perfect time for the Conservatives. The government has just given Hartlepool a freeport. Covid will dominate it but it will be about who will bring us out of it better.” Guardian.
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