Maidstone and The Weald (projected Tory majority of nearly 12,000) have published the finalists for the race to succeed Ann Widdecombe:
- Stephen Barclay
- James Brokenshire
- Conor Burns
- Jamie Devlin
- Vicky Ford
- Helen Grant
- Jonathan Lord
- Julia Manning
- Kulveer Ranger
The two reserves have also been identified:
- David Godfrey
- Lynne Hack
Good for MaTWCA for publishing in the way they have. They've identified the fact that 22 candidates were interviewed of 98 applications considered.
The selection will be on 20th January. Importantly, that's one day after NE Cambridgeshire select. If Steve Barclay or James Brokenshire succeed there, David Godfrey and Lynne Hack may get to be called.
As Jonathan Isaby revealed yesterday, Private Eye's Ian Hislop will be chairing the selection.
