A BOUYANT Conservative group believes it can capitalise on a Labour Party malaise to make big gains in Darlington.
Senior Tories in the town say that while their share of the vote remains stable, Labour voters are looking for alternatives - with the council elections only a month away.
A list of Conservative candidates who are standing in the May 5 elections was released at the weekend.
Group leader Councillor Heather Scott, who will stand in the Park West ward, said the Conservatives would seek to attract business to Darlington, encourage apprenticeships to cut youth unemployment and closely monitor the pay of town hall executives.
"The Labour group has been in control a long time in Darlington and there are certain things that need improving, " she said.
"There is a general dissatisfaction among the public with the way this council has been run. It may be critical of the cuts, but the Labour Party has not said how it would tackle the deficit."
The Conservative group's deputy leader, Councillor Charles Johnson, who will contest the Hummersknott ward, said: "The Conservative vote is about where it was in 2007, but the interesting thing we are finding is that the Labour vote has halved. It is now 50 per cent Labour and 50 per cent undecided, which surprised us.
"I think this is because Labour voters are disappointed with the party that lost the election, a party in which members are still fighting among themselves and one that is not putting any policy forward."
Among the new Conservative candidates, 19-year-old Lauren Cartwright, of Harrowgate Hill, aims to join her mother, Gill, on the council.
The Durham University student will contest the Cockerton West ward, the former ward of Darlington MP Jenny Chapman.
She said: "I wanted to stand because I don't think young people are represented on the council.
"People in Harrowgate Hill said my mum has done such a good job and that is an inspiration to me."
Among those not seeking re-election is veteran Heighington and Coniscliffe councillor Eric Roberts, who is standing aside after 35 years' continuous service.
He said: "I am going to miss it, but I'm a bit past my best now so it's time to step aside and let someone else have a go."
The Conservative group's full manifesto will be released later this week.
Following is the full list of Tory candidates: Stan Johnson, Simon Nicholson (Bank Top); David Davies (Central); Alex Nicholson, Alice Park, Steve Shaw (Cockerton East); Andrew Wattsford, Lauren Cartwright (Cockerton West); Tony Richmond, Ian Galletley (College); Charles Beckham, Doreen Tucker, Marjorie Roberts (Eastbourne); Richard Grundy (Faverdale); Gill Cartwright, Paul Howell, Ian Ferguson (Harrowgate Hill); Vicky Lloyd, Jennifer Hardy (Haughton East); Ian Storey, Kimberley Summers (Haughton North); George Jenkinson, Louise Armstrong (Haughton West); Gerald Lee, Paul Crudass (Heighington); Alan Coultas, Charles Johnson (Hummersknott); Chris Brownbridge, John Howard (Hurworth); Pat Chapman (Lascelles); Te ss Galletley, Olivier McPhee (Lingfield); Doris Jones, Steve York (Middleton St George); Bill Stenson, Ron Lewis (Mowden); Carol Johnson (Northgate); Catherine Parkinson, Craig Smith, Alan Moore (North Road); Nathalie Carter, John Elliott, Nicky Bilney (Park East); Heather Scott, Bob Donoghue (Park West); Kate Davies, Tony Brokley, Pauline Culley (Pierremont); Brian Jones (Sadberge).
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