The Mail on Sunday has the story. ConservativeHome has the fallout:
"Is there anybody left in the Conservative party who hasn't been a member of Labour?" Michael Davidson.
"I hope that a local Conservative will stand against Ms Grant as an independent Tory if she does not stand down." Moral Minority.
2 comments:
This is a serious one which may yet have long term implications.I first heard about Helen Grant being an ex-Labour party member in the comments section of one of the other candidates who just missed being selected. Initially I couldn't believe it - but the national press has now waded in.
There is - for the Conservatives- a growing problem that a large section of its most motivated activists are being written of because they are female or have the right multi-dimensional diversity.
That activism is likely to find a new home, and given the new grop of 'A'list candidates didn't do much for the party before their selection the party can hardly rely on more like them to fill the gap.
This is a slow burning fuse issue - but there is plenty of TNT at the end of that fuse.
PS I think the case of Louise Bagshawe may be different as she has changed a number of her life views over the last decade or so - not just grown up politically.
In a way I can see why Cameron, Maude and others are favouring certain candidates. The Tory benches aren't representative and something has to be done. Chances are it will take another two intakes for the problem to be solved.
That said, if the Tory party ceases to be distinctive and stops being Tory, that helps no one. Least of all the voters.
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