MORE than a dozen Tory MPs from across the East of England joined a mass canvas in Ipswich today as unofficial campaigning for the General Election was launched.

Graham Dines

MORE than a dozen Tory MPs from across the East of England joined a mass canvas in Ipswich today as unofficial campaigning for the General Election was launched.

With the election up to six months' away, teams of Tory activists took to the streets to get out the party's “time for a change” message.

Led by shadow minister for Europe Mark Francois, the MPs visited all parts of the constituency, knocking on doors and listening to the concerns of voters.

Ipswich, Luton North and Luton South were the focus in the East of England of a nationwide campaign in the seats where victory would guarantee the election of the Tories at the General Election.

Mr Francois, who is MP for the safe Essex seat of Rayleigh, said: “We are here to demonstrate our support for candidate Ben Gummer and emphasise the commitment to Ipswich which will result from the policies of a Tory government.

“Ben has an excellent chance to overturn the Labour majority in Ipswich and there will be other mass canvasses in the run-up to polling day.”

Mr Gummer said: “One of the most gratifying features of the day was the number of young people who came out with us, determined to work for a change of government. There is a real momentum for change in Ipswich.”