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David Cameron's leadership will be in crisis if the Conservatives come third in the Eastleigh byelection behind the Liberal Democrats and Ukip, the prominent rightwing Tory David Davis has warned.
His remarks, before the critical by-election for the coalition partners, reflect Conservative concern that the main route to an overall majority at the next election will be blocked if Tories cannot capture a string of Liberal Democrat seats.
Eleven of the Tories' top 43 target seats are held by the Lib Dems, and senior Conservatives are preparing for a bitter inquest if they fail to capture Eastleigh.
Davis said: "I think if we came third it would be a crisis, I think that's the case, and if it's a close second with Ukip on our tail it will also be uncomfortable."
He insisted neither result would dislodge Cameron. "He's going to be there till the next election, but the simple truth is that it will make things more uncomfortable in the House of Commons."
Nick Clegg, campaigning in Eastleigh, insisted the Lib Dems were on the "cusp of a great, great victory" for their candidate, local councillor Mike Thornton.