Will Russia disrupt the local elections? That’s the question being asked in Westminster. But rather than worries over Russian meddling and subterfuge, the issue at hand is whether Jeremy Corbyn’s questionable response to the attempted murder of a former Russian double agent on British soil will help boost the Conservative vote come May.
Those local elections are expected to be a blood bath for the Tories, with Labour predicted to win big – particularly in the capital. The Conservatives are so worried about the vote that the managing expectations operations includes suggesting that it would be a disappointing night for Labour if the party didn’t win every London council.
But in recent days something strange has happened. Labour activists report a hostile reception on the doorstep in London starting late last week and continuing over the weekend. The issue? Corbyn’s stance on Russia – and specifically his handling of the Russian spy incident.
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