How much does it cost to be a candidate?

Publishing the A-list caused ConservativeHome's traffic to double.  It was, of course, the list that nearly every Tory wanted to see.  I always tell people, however, that the list of people who told me who was on the list would have been a more interesting one!  I say this because I want to underline that I always respect the confidentiality of sources.  Always.

If you are a candidate and are willing to share some insight into the costs of being a candidate... I'd be delighted to hear from you.  Please email me if you can share information on the costs of being on the candidates list, on finding a seat and then on campaigning for a seat.

This will feed into a forthcoming post about ConservativeHome's campaign to help lower income people become Tory candidates.

Related links: Cash for quality candidates (by Katie Perrior) and Action is needed to help candidates meet the costs of standing for parliament (by Robert Halfon).

Comments

[Mark Fulford]

Tim, can I suggest an sister thread... Would you ever consider being a candidate? What stops you?

[Henry Edward-Bancroft]

A very good idea Mark, I hope Editor takes you up on that. It would make very interesting reading.

[Editor]

I agree: it's a good idea and I'll get to it shortly.

Five candidates have already supplied me with very interesting responses to this post. Please keep them coming...