The attempt by the Howard faction within the Tory Party to capitalise on racism and prejudice against Gypsies, and refugees and "economic migrants" indicate that letting the Tories back in would be opening the door to a nightmare.

It'd undermine the hope that the Tories could rehabilate themselves, and turn into a decent party representing decent people, with whom I may disagree politically but amicably enough.

For people in marginal Labour seats which could go Tory, there's a case for holding your nose and voting Labour, even when it might be for a loyal Blairite. But for any former Labour voter in the 58 Tory seats where the Lib Dem is the challenger, there is an opportunity to send Tony a message, and at the same time dish any Tory hopes of winning a majority in the Commons.

And get rid of Michael Howard from the House of Commons as well, for a start, since he's one of those Tories depending on Labour voters sticking with Labour, if he's to have a chance to get re-elected.