"I don’t share Ed’s politics, but we can’t complain politicians don’t understand struggles of others, then attack them for problems thousands face", one person said.
Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey is campaigning in Conservative constituencies held by ministers Jeremy Hunt and Michael Gove.
"It's almost as if we live in this parallel universe for the Conservatives."
"The lack of any vision, the multiple mistakes, lack of integrity and honesty suggests to me even lifelong conservatives want to see the back of them."
"It's almost as if they have been deliberately making the problem worse so it can be an issue at the next election."
Sir Ed said the Liberal Democrat commitment – dating back to 1992 – to raise income tax by 1p to improve public services is now unsustainable.
Some £530,000 was received in ministerial severance during the last year of political upheaval.
He said he is "100 per cent" ruling out a deal with Sir Keir Starmer, even if it means that the Tories get in through the middle in seats like Mid Bedfordshire.
The Lib Dem candidate, Emma Holland-Lindsay, has also pledged not to take a second job or presenting gigs.