Some reassuring news reaches me from Norfolk.
In advance of a special general meeting of South West Norfolk Conservatives taking place next Monday, the association chairman, David Hills - who was on holiday for much of the selection process - has today issued a statement making it clear that Liz Truss has the full support of him and his fellow officers:
"Elizabeth Truss must not be blamed for any discrepancy about information she declared. The matter has been whipped-up by the media and there has been a lot of inaccurate reporting. I stress that we in South West Norfolk have no problem at all with women candidates - our members selected Elizabeth Truss on merit from a mixed short list.
"Elizabeth Truss won over 50% of the vote on the first ballot of the selection meeting. I, like our MP, agent and officers, support her in continuing as our prospective parliamentary candidate. A process has been undertaken in my absence which has to run its course.
"The executive voted to hold another special general meeting on 16 November so members can consider the way forward. I will be working with my team to build a consensus around Elizabeth so we can move forward positively at that meeting."
Jonathan Isaby
