Dowd didn't have to show up to the hustings. He knew he didn't need to. At best he would have gained a few extra votes at worst he would have made a mistake and lost a few votes. Why bother? I almost admire the chutzpah.

A bit like Cameron not debating directly with Miliband or refusing to say where he would cut £8billion from welfare.

Dowd should have had more character than to wimp out as should Cameron. In the end the blame is with the system. He has a job for life barring very serious indiscretions.