Bob Neill wins B&C selection

The London Assembly Member Bob Neill has been chosen to represent the Conservative Party in the Bromley and Chislehurst by-election.  The selection of Mr Neill, who has led the Tory group on the assembly and  represents Bexley and Bromley on the GLA, is a victory for the right of local associations to choose a local, non A-list candidate. 

Although two A-listers of the highest quality reached the final three, there will be some disappointment at Central Office.  CCHQ would have relished the prospect of a woman or an ethnic minority candidate (as telegenic as both Syed and Julia) representing the party in this first big parliamentary contest of the parliament.

Mr Neill will help to counter any suggestion by the LibDems that a candidate has been parachuted into B&C.  Mr Neill's more positive view of European integration might, however, boost Nigel Farage, UKIP's candidate.

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