There could scarcely be a more vivid illustration of how far the party has jettisoned its own traditions along with the sensibilities of moderate voters.

The hostility to outsiders - especially when combined with tough language on welfare - sends a chill down moderate voters' spines.

A heavyweight reformist on the ballot would have guaranteed a sizeable turnout among moderate voters.

She previously gained a reputation for appealing to moderate voters despite a conservative track record.

It was intended to be a liberal centrist party, encompassing moderate voters from both the centre-left and the centre-right.