In many of these areas, the party finished third in 2017.
The Liberal Democrats’ election Facebook adverts claim, in different places, that they are the only party which can beat the Tories, Labour or the SNP.
One series of adverts says: “Your vote can help stop Boris Johnson. [Certain constituency] is one of 50 seats where a Liberal Democrat vote can stop the Conservatives.”
Another says: “Your vote in [certain constituency] can help stop Jeremy Corbyn” while a third says: “Your vote in [certain constituency] can help stop the SNP and stop independence.”
In some of the places these adverts are aimed at, they are actually the main opposition to the particular party targetted – like in Richmond Park, North East Fife or St Ives.
However, in 13 of the 43 constituencies targetted, the party finished third in 2017. For example, in Eddisbury, they finished 14,000 votes behind Labour; in Cities of London and Westminster, they were 10,000 votes behind and in Watford, 20,000 votes behind.
The Liberal Democrats have been accused of misusing statistics on election leaflets to suggest they have a better chance of winning a seat than they do.
Below is the full list of constituencies targetted, the parties they are urging a tactical vote for them against and where they finished in 2017. The ones where they finished first or second are in bold.
Esher and Walton – Conservatives – Third
Eastbourne & Willingdon – Conservatives – First
Carshalton & Wallington – Conservatives – First
Hampstead & Kilburn – Labour – Third
Watford – Conservatives – Third
Harrogate & Knaresborough – Conservatives – Second
Oxford West & Abbingdon – Conservatives – First
South Cambridgeshire – Conservatives – Third
Cheadle – Conservatives – Second
North East Somerset – Conservatives – Third
Wimbledon – Conservatives – Third
Richmond Park – Conservatives – Second
Totnes – Conservatives – Third
Finchley and Golders Green – Conservatives – Third
East Dunbartonshire – SNP – First
Winchester – Conservatives – Second
Ross, Skye and Lochaber – SNP – Third
St Ives – Conservatives – Second
Twickenham – Conservatives – First
St Albans – Conservatives – Second
Wantage – Conservatives – Third
North East Fife – SNP – Second
Brecon and Radnorshire – Conservatives – First
Leeds North West – Labour – Second
Eddisbury – Conservatives – Third
Westmorland – Conservatives – First
North Norfolk – Conservatives – First
Cities of London and Westminster – Conservatives – Third
Cheltenham – Conservatives – Second
Orkney and Shetland – SNP – First
Hitchin and Harpenden – Conservatives – Third
Bath – Conservatives – First
Sheffield Hallam – Labour – Second
Hazel Grove – Conservatives – Second
Guildford – Conservatives – Second
Streatham – Labour – Third
Kingston and Surbiton – Conservatives – First
Lewes – Conservatives – Second
Cambridge – Labour – Second
Wokingham – Conservatives – Third
Hornsey and Wood Green – Labour – Second
Caithness, Sutherland and Easter Ross – SNP – First
Edinburgh West – SNP – First
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One Response to “Lib Dem Facebook ads wrongly claim only they can beat these parties”
Julia Gibb
Unfortunately I have a great deal of experience campaigning against the LibDems in Scotland.
They are a nasty aggressive bunch who will use every underhand tactic possible.
They are in every aspect Tories. Look at Swinson’s voting record. Review LibDems in office with the Tories.
One of my key ambitions is to contribute in some way to Swinson losing her seat. She lives hundreds of miles away and seldom even turns up for a surgery. Her office staff do to her job.
Whatever way you vote be wary of considering this lot!
They can limbo dance under a snake.