Caversham Lib Dems are in crisis after news of their pact to hand over the ward to the Tories was leaked live on TV by Anneliese Dodds, prompting many members to wonder why they bothered. The final straw appears to have been former Park Ward candidate Richard Hall moving into their catchment area. One member, who didn't want to be named, told us: "If Richard's going to become active in Caversham then we might as well go home now. It was easier to win this seat when the councillor lived in Bristol."

Bob Green, the one remaining Lib Dem councillor in the area, told us: "Although, to outside observers, it looks like we haven't got a clue with how to deal with losing our presence in Caversham, nothing could be further from the truth. I refer you to the motion at the last Caversham Branch AGM: Will The Last Person Leaving Please Turn Off The Lights, which was carried unanimously."