I can’t blame Ian Gibson, Norwich North MP, for his “stuff ‘em!” attitude after being deselected by Labour over the expenses row.

However, his clear lack of public support for his would-be replacement Chris Ostrowski has certainly helped our very capable and stunning candidate Chloe Smith, who has had the full support of the top Tory machinery to help her snatch Gibson’s seat.

Neighbouring MP Charles Clarke’s efforts to persuade Gibson to come out in support of Chris has fallen on deaf ears, even though Chris has been told he has it. And Rod Liddle’s pleas to Gibson about this were ignored too – and he called him at least 14 times!

Ostrowski must be tearing his hair out as not only Gibson, but also Gordon Brown and Peter Mandelson have failed to visit Norwich and plead his case. One wonders if they can’t be bothered, why should the people of Norwich North?

Regardless of how good the result might look for Chloe right now, only a fool would take a win for granted. There is still a lot of work to do to persuade disenchanted voters to turn up at the polls on Thursday – and vote Conservative.

After all, this is the start of the silly season, and anything could happen…..