Cider drinkers backing Tories

Cider drinkers are backing the Conservatives to win the election.

The Tories received 58% of the vote at the National Cider Election held by licensee Matt Slocombe, owner of the Crown Inn, Woolhope.

Around 400 people turned up over the weekend, despite the poor weather, and 200 voted including Conservative candidate for Hereford Jesse Norman.

The Liberal Democrats came in second with 37% and Labour trailed in last with just 5%.

Voters were given a free cup of one of three specially made ciders — Brown's Blunder, Dave's Dose and Scrambled Clegg, one of which was served on each day — and later voted by throwing the paper cup in the appropriate party's bin.

A breakdown of the Conservatives, Liberal Democrats and Labour's policies on cider were available to help voters decide.

"It was great fun and a fantastic celebration of cider," said Slocombe. "The weather didn't dampen our spirits and it was great that Jesse turned up.

"The voters saw the funny side but there were serious tones to the event. We hope that the cider and perry industry will continue to grow and prosper at a time when rural industry is vital for the recovery of this great country."

Slocombe has contacted David Cameron's office to arrange to give him the winner's prize of Crown Inn ciders and perries.

The Tories have already committed to dropping the planned hike on cider duty.