We're off Tony, say Worcester Women...

TORIES are delighted with an article in last week's Sunday Times, which found six "Worcester women" who voted for Tony Blair in 1997 or 2001 but will not back him again next year.

Margaret Harper, who will challenge Mike Foster at the General Election, said: "Worcester Woman has turned and is now looking for a credible alternative to Labour.

"The Conservatives, under Michael Howard's leadership, are that alternative."

Mike is not, however, reading too much into the piece - pointing out something similar was written in 2001.

He added: "One person quoted in the article

e-mailed me this week to say not everything she had said was printed.

"They left out the bit where she said 'Hell would have to freeze over before I vote Tory'."

Mailing failing

IT would appear Tory leader Michael Howard's mailing list is in need of some updating.

Over the last few weeks, the party has sent letters to voters canvassing support for the local and European Elections on Thursday, June 10.

Signed by Mr Howard, it arrives complete with a pamphlet inviting people to donate to the party's fighting fund and a postal vote application form.

He's unlikely to get any joy from one Mrs Susan M Hayman of Pershore.

She's one of the Labour Party candidates for the European poll.

In his letter, Mr Howard did state: "PS: To write to so many people, I have had to use details from the electoral register.

"If I have addressed you incorrectly, please accept my apologies."

Luffin' it

PETER Luff had a musical part to play in the organisation of a Buckinghamshire away-day for Tory MPs.

He selected the songs from the 2004 Brit Awards CD which his colleagues had to guess in a quiz.

Peter, who opted for the likes of Kylie and the Darkness, said: "They actually did rather well - better than I'd have if I hadn't picked the songs."