But they do have a direct strategic interest in keeping the next election as tight as possible (leaving aside the baleful effect of the boundary changes on a number of their MPs) because it maximises their chance of a hung parliament in 2015 and leverage over the next government.

BBC: Reading the signs

It matters: the difference between a boundary four and a boundary six can be the margin of victory in a tight one-day game.

ECONOMIST: Ringing the changes