BBC Online is reporting that David Cameron is 'shunning' James Gray as he faces the real risk of deselection (see London Evening Standard). Some local Tories are furious that the North Wiltshire MP was unfaithful to his wife whilst she was being treated for breast cancer. The Association Executive has voted for his deselection but that vote will have to be ratified by a postal vote of all members. If Mr Gray does lose his fight he will have paid a heavy price for choosing to divorce his wife and a race will begin to become the Tory candidate for a seat with a 7,500+ majority (once boundary changes are taken into account).
My guess is that the BBC is overinterpreting David Cameron's decision to stay neutral in this contest. 'Shunning' is not the right word. Mr Gray's (latest) mistake was to overstate Mr Cameron's position:
"I have the very strong support of David Cameron. I was his campaign leader here in the west country during his leadership battle. He's a close friend of mine. I was a special adviser with him many years ago. He, the chief whip, and the chairman of the party have all said they strongly support my position as member of parliament and I hope the members here locally accept that."
Traditionally CCHQ has remained publicly neutral in such cases but often makes behind-the-scenes calls to Association officers. Such was the case when Castle Point MP Bob Spink faced deselection problems a few years ago.
A leading possible contender for the seat would be A-lister and former head of the Conservative Research Department John Glen who was brought up in the area. Local councillor Ellie Bland lost her chance because of the recent furore over a 'racist email'.
Mr Gray was the shortest-serving Shadow Secretary of State for Scotland after he suggested MSPs should be abolished. One week after he had been appointed to his position he was forced to resign.
