The ones that got away

There have been a number of selections recently, but some seem to have fallen by the wayside:

Applications closed 19th May 2006 for:

Luton North - Notional Lib Dem Labour Majority of 6437 (16.4%)

Applications closed 8th September 2006 for:

North Cornwall - Notional Lib Dem Majority of 5477 (12.9%)

Applications closed 13th October 2006 for:

Gillingham and Rainham - Notional Conservative Majority 500 (1.1%)
Rochester and Strood - Notional Conservative Majority 1501 (3.3%)
Waveney - Notional Lab Majority 5936 (12%)

Applications closed 8th November 2006 for:

Dover - Notional Lab Maj. 5061 (10.4%)
Halesowen and Rowley Regis - Notional Lab Maj. 4140 (10%)
Ipswich - Notional Lab Maj. 5274 (12%)
Plymouth Sutton and Devonport - Notional Lab Maj. 4305 (10.7%)
Portsmouth South - Notional Lib Dem Maj. 3181 (8.5%)

Constituencies haven't always been consulted before being included in a tranche which can make things difficult. It would be interesting to know what else has caused this, although any comments that stir up trouble unnecessarily are liable for deletion!

Deputy Editor

Comments

[Tory Lady]

The North Cornwall Association is up in arms about the share out its Assets to neighbouring constituencies following the redrawing of the Boundaries, giving an extra seat in Cornwall. They are also not happy about the dissolution of the Association to make way for the Cornwall Association, inaugarated last week by the Chairman of the Conservative Party.
St Ives is taking a similar stand.
This scenario is making the possibility of a selection very uncomfortable.

[hampshireresident]

Is there a Conservative Association at Eastleigh, and if not, why not?

[Justin Hinchcliffe]

Think Luton North has a notional Labour majority (not Lib Dem!!!). When we we select for Maidstone and the Weald?

[COUSIN JINNY]

Things generally are uneasy in Cornwall but it is basically about Money and the reorganisation of the Cornwall Associations.There is not a unity of conservatives because of past troubles.

[Deputy Editor]

Cheers Justin, you're right.

One of the best things about having comments is that mistakes get picked up on quickly and publicly!

[Mastiff]

Some of these constituencies were put into supported status and their selection processes stopped as a result. Eastleigh does have an Association and Hampshireresident, I am sure they would love your help in the next month. http://www.eastleighconservatives.com/

[ChaunceyGardener]

I can't help wondering whether the delay with Gillingham & Rainham is down to the recent resignation of a leading councillor and senior figure in the association following some difficulties in his business life. This could have had a knock on affect on Rochester and Strood given that he was agent for both seats at the last GE. Add to the mix maybe any dealy is to give Reh Chishti a chance to establish himself locally within Tory ranks. He certainly seems to be going for the candidacy given that he is in the local rag almost every week attacking local Labour MP or highlighting some local issue or another.

[Reg]

You noticed Chauncey!

The Association (Gillingham) has just had another Councillor (and former Deputy Chairman) resign his candidacy from the Party and stand as an independant in the up-and-coming locals. Someone closely linked to our first resigned Councillor.

Reh Chishti is accepted within the Constituency now, as he has been working extremely hard in the run-up to the locals. He probably has gone for it, but we don't even know which selection procedure we are going to use. And yes, attacking the local MP is gaining a high profile, although I doubt he has anything to do with the delay.

The fact that we are currently in supported status is probably the main factor.

[Rainham Martin]

Chauncey and gardner you are right when you say Ray Chishti has a high profile in the constituency. I have seen him campaigning throughout the constituency in the rain and snow every weekend and most evenings. Recently Ray ran the Reading half marathon for local charities which shows his commitment and passion for Gillingham and rainham. In my opinion ray Chishti is the only one who has the local crudentials and poularity to defeat the local Labour MP Paul Clarke.

[Chris Buckwell]

For both Rochester & Strood and Gillingham & Rainham it is supported status which has put back the selection processes. We are, together with the wards from Chatham & Aylesford which fall within Medway Borough, working flat out to hold control of our unitary council on 3rd May. Any offers of help from election-free London are most welcome! Please call me on 07977 260564, or e-mail to chris.buckwell@btopenworld.com, if any London party member can assist at any stage in the campaign (including polling day). Many thanks in anticipation!
Cllr Chris Buckwell
Rochester & Strood Conservatives

[Reg]

Overall in Medway, I think the only people who are going to cause a major disruption to the locals are CRAG. There is enough discontent for national Labour and the Liberals just don't stand a chance. But I digress.

Wholly unbiased in your brief assessment, Martin! I do, however, whole-heartedly agree with you, having also seen him campaigning. He is continually breathing youth, experience, energy and profile into the local association that is unrivalled by others in the area.

A question for Cllr Buckwell: is it true that Mark Reckless is standing in the locals?

[Chris Buckwell]

For Reg. Yes, Mark Reckless is standing in Rochester West with Cllr Ted Baker. Most of our selections for wards in the new R&S constituency were undertaken one year ago. Mark and Ted were selected by a well-attended ward branch meeting held in April 2006. Cllr Sue Haydock (currently the other sitting councillor for RW ward) was subsequently selected for the key marginal, Strood South (where we hold two of three seats at present).

[Q]

Where does Mark Reckless live?
i.e. where does he spend the majority of his time / not where is he on the electoral register.

[Chris Buckwell]

In response to "Q", Mark lives at 11 Watts' Avenue, in Rochester West ward. I have been out delivering leaflets with him this very day! Labour seem on their knees in terms of a lack of workers and activity for 3/5.