Labour are not counting their chickens after a poll suggested a Watford win, while the Lib Dems hope to turn council votes into parliamentary ones.

In partnership with YouGov, Sky News published early polling data based on interviews with 53,334 people across every constituency (excluding Northern Ireland) between May 24 and June 1.

The verdict for Watford was "likely Labour gain from Conservative", with an overall "historic" landslide for the party.

Labour's parliamentary candidate for the constituency, Matt Turmaine, said: “I am counting no chickens whatsoever. Labour is fighting tooth and nail for every vote. There is no complacency.

“Polls are just polls, but it is true that they are all saying the same thing. This Sky poll proves, along with other constituency polling here in Watford, that Labour is doing well.”

Watford Observer: Labour parliamentary candidate for Watford Matt Turmaine.Labour parliamentary candidate for Watford Matt Turmaine. (Image: Watford Labour)

The Holywell councillor says that he has seen an “unmistakeable” mood for change and a shift to Labour on the doorsteps. He also claimed previous results show “Liberal Democrats can't win Watford”.

Nationally, the poll predicts a 194-seat majority with Labour winning 422 seats, Conservatives winning 140, Liberal Democrats taking 48, and the SNP having 17.

Watford's Liberal Democrat candidate, Ian Stotesbury, said conversations with thousands of residents show “support for the Conservatives has collapsed”.

He highlighted work he has been doing as a councillor, including transport improvements, campaigning for the NHS and working to clean up Watford’s rivers.

“As a local MP I'd bring that same hard work and local knowledge,” he added. "Following the best ever results for the Liberal Democrats in Watford in May, we believe we have the momentum to challenge Labour.

“Vote for who you want to represent the area, don't be trapped by two parties who take your votes for granted."Watford Observer: Ian Stotesbury.Ian Stotesbury.

Watford's Conservative candidate and former MP Dean Russell declined to comment.

Of course, more than three parties run in elections and others highlighted how voters can have an impact beyond the one winner.

Arran Bowen-la Grange, who is running for the Green Party, said: “Whilst the picture painted by the latest data doesn’t come as much of a surprise, it’s vital that we encourage voters to take to the polls on July 4 - regardless of their political leanings.

“A functioning democracy can only thrive when every single vote, even if it’s a ‘losing’ one, is taken into account and acknowledged by the elected MP."

He asked voters to send “as strong a message as possible in Watford” and show support for a “fairer, greener country”.

Reform candidate Gary Ling said: “Poll shows unfairness of the first-past-the-post electoral system.

Watford Observer: Watford goes to the polls on July 4.Watford goes to the polls on July 4. (Image: PA)

“ReformUK is now clearly polling third in share of national vote ahead of the Lib Dems. In 2024 by-elections in Wellingborough, Kingswood, and Blackpool, the Lib Dems came behind ReformUK.

“We will get more total votes than Lib Dems at the general election but no seats. Support proportional representation.”

Workers Party of Britain candidate Khalid Mahmood added: “The truth is no Watford worker wants to vote Tory, Labour, or Lib Dem.

"They are the same; all betrayed British Workers with student debt, energy bills, mortgage debt, no hospital, billions wasted on foreign wars and supporting genocide in Gaza.

"Now there is an alternative. Watch this space.”

Watford constituency candidates for the general election on July 4, 2024:

  • Arran Bowen-la Grange – Green Party
  • Gary James Ling – Reform UK
  • Khalid Mahmood – Workers Party of Britain
  • Dean Russell – Conservative and Unionist Party
  • Ian Stotesbury – Liberal Democrats
  • Matt Turmaine – Labour Party