Willy Sagnol's side are chasing European qualification, but were stunned two weeks ago when they were handed a 2 - 1
defeat by neighbours and rivals Toulouse - one of Lens» key rivals in the race to remain in the division.
The Wandsworth factor and demographic change go in favour of making Tooting a Tory gain for Mark Clarke and the loss of Labour votes to the BNP looks like going to aid Simon Jones» campaign to oust Jon Cruddas in Dagenham and Rainham; «Mr Expenses», Alan Keen, is more vulnerable than the figures suggest in Feltham and Heston (the current projection shows his wife, Ann, being
defeated in
neighbouring Brentford and Isleworth); Tory candidate Ed Northover wrote only this week about his efforts to win Leyton and Wanstead from Labour, whilst ConservativeHome has previously noted the energetic campaign being waged
by Chris Philp in the redrawn Hampstead and Kilburn seat where he is now in genuine contention.