The Liberal Democrats say they hope Labour voters will switch allegiances following the election of Jeremy Corbyn.
He was appointed as Ed Miliband’s successor in a move which led to some senior figures in the Shadow Cabinet returning to the front benches.
And Paul Ray, spokesman for the Lib Dems in Lichfield, believes the Labour vote could be a boost for his own party.
“People who have backed Labour in recent elections can have a new home in the Liberal Democrats,” he wrote in a blog post. “I appeal to Labour supporters in Lichfield who want credible economic policies from a united party to join the Liberal Democrats.
“Here they will be made welcome and they will feel at home.”
Mr Ray – who also stood for the Lib Dems in May’s General Election – said that Labour’s hopes of eventually returning to Government had been dashed by the decision to install Mr Corbyn as leader.
“Many Labour supporters want a strong but credible opposition to the Conservative Government,” he added. “But they know that under Jeremy Corbyn, backed by his Far Left Shadow Chancellor John McDonnell, any remaining Labour economic credibility has been shredded.
“Within hours of the announcement of the election of Jeremy Corbyn as Labour Leader, seven Shadow Cabinet members had abandoned their posts and returned to the backbenches.
“Clearly, Mr Corbyn is unable to appeal to moderates and there is a huge gulf between the different wings of the Labour Party.”
