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Tory leader's plea to avoid backlash over Viggers
A Tory leader is urging residents not to abandon his party because of the expenses claims of MP Sir Peter Viggers.
A by-election will take place tomorrow after two Lib Dem councillors representing Gosport's Brockhurst ward moved to Australia.
But Tories fear voters may be put off their party after Sir Peter's attempt to claim a duck house.
Gosport Conservative leader Mark Hook said: 'I don't think people should penalise those who wish to serve the local area due to the actions of our MP.
'We recognise what he's done is extremely foolish. If people vote on local issues then I think we've got an excellent chance.'
Cllr Bob Forder, chairman of the Lib Dem group in Gosport, said: 'I think it's difficult for people to avoid and it's bound to play a part, but I hope people will weigh up the policies and vote according to that.
'I think we've got a very good chance of winning.'
Battling to hold on to the two previous Lib Dem seats will be Robert Hylands and Siobhan Mitchell-Smith. While trying to take the seats will be Justin Henshaw and Brian Taylor for the Tories, Joe and Michael O'Gorman for Labour and Claire Smith for the Green party.
Residents from the ward can vote at the Solent Evangelical Church in Forton Road, or the Middlecroft Gospel Hall in Middlecroft Lane from 7am until 10pm tomorrow.
>> Vote in our latest web poll.
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Weather for Portsmouth
Friday 10 February 2012
Today
Light sleet showers
Temperature: -4 C to 4 C
Wind Speed: 15 mph
Wind direction: South east
Tomorrow
Sunny
Temperature: -4 C to 2 C
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