What is a 'progressive alliance'? Can Labour use it to HOLD Batley and Spen?
When you subscribe we will use the information you provide to send you these newsletters. Sometimes they'll include recommendations for other related newsletters or services we offer. Our Privacy Notice explains more about how we use your data, and your rights. You can unsubscribe at any time. Sign up fornow and never miss the top politics stories again  The Batley & Spen by-election has pulled people's political focus recently, as the third race of its kind in as many months. The Conservative Party is limping into the fray following a devastating loss to the Liberal Democrats in Chesham and Amersham. They will want to reclaim their lost seat and extract Labour's influence from the constituency, but rumours of a "progressive alliance" threaten to scupper their chances. 'They said we couldn't! The term progressive alliance has floated around social media for months now. In theory, it refers to a push for parties with a progressive or left-leaning ideology to form up and prioritise defeating a Tory majority. The alliance takes advantage of the majority "progressive" vote currently spread across the UK to establish a Labour-led government. Progressive voters outnumber Conservatives, and most constituencies have a left-leaning majority fractured across several parties. In practice, an alliance would mean Labour, the Liberal Democrats, and the Green Party step aside in selected constituencies. For example, in an area where Labour has the best chance against the Conservatives, the Lib Dems and Green parties would stand back and support them. READ MORE: Jeremy Vine says Remainer friend repulsed by European Union's conduct