Norwich braced for key by-election

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By Carole Walker Political correspondent, BBC News, Norwich

Outgoing MP Ian Gibson's role in the campaign could prove crucial

Basking in the glorious July sunshine, it is hard to detect any election fever in Norwich North.

So far there are few posters or campaign leaflets to be seen.

But the by-election here on 23 July is likely to be a closely-fought contest.

Ian Gibson decided to stand down and force the by-election after Labour's disciplinary panel investigated the revelations over his expenses and barred him from standing as a Labour candidate.

Dr Gibson - a maverick left winger - believed he'd been treated harshly and considered standing as an independent.

But he told me he has decided to back the official Labour candidate Chris Ostrowski, a 28-year old party activist from London.

Dr Gibson was a popular and well-respected MP.

Voters I spoke to divided between those who were angry at the way Dr Gibson had been treated and those who were even angrier at the entire political class for behaviour they described as "disgusting" and "corrupt".

Former Home Secretary Charles Clarke, MP for the neighbouring constituency of Norwich South, dismissed the suggestion that voters might punish Labour for forcing out Dr Gibson, though he acknowledged the anger of many in the local community.

"I think people will judge in the by-election not simply on that kind of issue but on the overall record of Labour in Norwich," Mr Clarke said.

The Conservatives hope to benefit from Labour's problems, both locally and nationally, and clearly believe they have a strong chance of seizing the seat.

Tory leader David Cameron and a stream of shadow cabinet ministers have been here campaigning for Chloe Smith, a fresh-faced local candidate.

Shadow Chief Secretary to the Treasury Philip Hammond said this was an opportunity for voters to send a message to Gordon Brown that they want him to come clean about Labour's spending plans.

Green hopes

The Greens made significant gains here in the local elections and are now the main opposition on Norwich City Council.

They've chosen one of their councillors, Rupert Read, to fight the by-election.

Though they appear to be fighting it out for third place, they are hoping to pick up support from voters disaffected with the main parties.

The Liberal Democrats have chosen local businesswoman April Pond - though they'd have liked a higher profile candidate.

It is a crowded field with the former ambassador to Uzbekistan Craig Murray standing as an independent and UKIP fielding former army medic Glenn Tingle.

Gordon Brown has a pretty poor track record when it comes to by-elections - remember those disastrous losses in Glasgow East and Crewe and Nantwich.

Labour undoubtedly faces a tough battle to hold on to Norwich North and another defeat here would revive all those questions about his leadership.