Immigration card proves passport to victory

The Tories' decision to focus on immigration paid dividends when they snatched Croydon Central from Labour.

The seat, home to the Immigration and Nationality Department HQ, was won by Andrew Pelling by just 75 votes.

His victory over sitting MP Geraint Davies resulted from a four per cent swing from Labour to the Tories.

The result was all the more satisfying for the Conservatives because the party did not have to rely on Labour defections to the Liberal Democrats. Mr Pelling has had a high profile as a London-Assembly member and as leader of the Conservatives on Croydon council.

A mix of affluent suburbia and the huge New Addington council estate, Croydon Central was ripe for the Tory message on controlled immigration and on crime.