Continuing our ConservativeHome series, which will run each Monday during the election campaign, on the key contests in each region.
Some cite the precedent of the IRA’s murder of Ian Gow. The Liberal Democrats didn’t stand aside in the by-election that followed.
We can’t win a workable majority without breaking through in more seats in the urban and suburban North and Midlands.
The Tories ousted Ed Balls and the Liberal Democrats managed to return two seats, but otherwise this region was a low-scoring draw for the main parties.
The region, which the Yorkshire Post argues should have its own Minister, is the scene of intense campaigning.