Anyone who thinks the Tories are actually running a proper campaign in Oldham might want to take a look at the briefing note that was handed to volunteers when they arrived in the constituency just yesterday:

No wonder Dave could barely remember his name. If the Tories come second after such a half-hearted campaign, there are going to be serious questions asked of their leader’s judgement, specifically why he did not throw down the gauntlet and properly contest the seat. Dave has probably done enough to cover his back by visiting and there is a visible campaign going on, but it’s nothing like the by-election slogs, of varying success, when the Tories were in opposition. Instead they are left moaning to Guido about a distinct lack of “money, leaflets, polling and staff”.