Gavin Barwell was adopted yesterday evening for Croydon Central, projected Labour majority of 317.
Gavin is a local councillor and a key aide to Lord Ashcroft's target seats programme. He beat Lindsay Frost, Lynn Hale and Mimi Harker to the nomination.
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ConservativeHome has learnt that approximately 48 hours ago, Mimi Harker was instructed by CCHQ to choose between Croydon Central and her place on the South East England MEP candidates' list. Ms Harker chose to contest Croydon but it is a shame that CCHQ couldn't have waited until 10pm last night. If Ms Harker had been successful in her Westminster ambitions it wouldn't have been too late to then top up the SE list. There is nothing in the rules that prevents a candidate pursuing Westminster and European opportunities at the same time.
