Over the last 48 hours ConservativeHome has hesitated to cover the controversy about Liz Truss' selection but the story about her past private life has now gotten legs and a few commenters (quite reasonably) are asking why Jonathan Isaby and I have been downplaying the issue.
A few quick comments:
- I did actually back Liz Truss in the comments thread as soon as the issue of her private life was raised.
- Liz was one of the twenty candidates I tipped for selection. I remain of the view that she'll be an excellent MP.
- A few disgruntled grassroots members are unhappy at Liz Truss' past private life but there is no evidence that they are a significant number. Some people who want to disenfranchise the Tory grassroots are exaggerating the level of discontent.
- Tonight's meeting of the SW Norfolk Executive is incorrectly billed as a meeting to discuss whether Liz should be deselected. it is actually a meeting to review the whole of the selection process. Her selection will be one of the issues discussed. Will she be deselected? Almost certainly not.
Tim Montgomerie
5.30pm: Iain Dale also backs Liz Truss
