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The 53 constituencies most likely to change hands in the general election

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Carto/Louis Doré

Less than two months ago, Theresa May called for a general election on 8 June.

Her reasons for the U-turn were supposedly 'Brexit', but obviously were more to do with poll ratings and opportunism.

Both the Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn and Liberal Democrat leader Tim Farron welcomed the news.

Jeremy Corbyn at the time said:

I welcome the Prime Minister’s decision to give the British people the chance to vote for a government that will put the interests of the majority first.

Labour will be offering the country an effective alternative to a government that has failed to rebuild the economy, delivered falling living standards and damaging cuts to our schools and NHS.

In the last couple of weeks, Labour has set out policies that offer a clear and credible choice for the country.  We look forward to showing how Labour will stand up for the people of Britain.

Professor John Curtice of the University of Strathclyde told the BBC:

No opposition has gone into a general election in a weaker position.

Yet, polling has predictably narrowed as we have approched the finish line. And Mr Corbyn has been spurred on by some particularly interesting numbers.

Tim Farron tweeted his response at the time, saying:

So which constituencies are the parties going to be targeting?

Anything with a winning majority of under five per cent at the last election or by-election is probably on the radar.

There are 53 constituencies of that kind, the majority of which are Conservative and Labour:

Here are all the seats that were won within a five per cent cent majority at the last election or by-election:

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