Conservative candidate survives deselection
The vote will come as a welcome relief for David Cameron
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Tuesday, 17, Nov 2009 11:05
By Richard James.
A Conservative party parliamentary candidate has survived a deselection bid over an extra-martial affair.
The South West Norfolk Conservative Association voted by 132 votes to 37 in favour of retaining Elizabeth Truss as their candidate for next year's general election.
She had faced serious criticism for not telling the constituency of her affair with Tory MP Mark Field five years ago.
Speaking after the vote, Ms Truss admitted she had "answer questions" but told the BBC local constituents were not interested in the "flim flam that's been in the press".
Her appointment though has outraged some members of the association who are upset at the apparent centralised way in which candidates appear to be chosen for the party's high command.
Current rules state that the final shortlist will be agreed in consultation with the chairman of the party and have agreement with both parties before proceeding to the next stage.
Chairman Eric Pickles denies ever having used the veto, but many local associations are suspicious of what they see as interference from London.
Outside the deselection meeting on Monday evening, prominent Tory Sir Jeremy Bagge said he blamed Conservative central office rather than Ms Truss.
"I'm not proud to be a Conservative just at this given moment," he told reporters.
"Conservative central office deceived us and they've betrayed us. They are very strong words, and that's how I feel."
A Conservative Party spokesman though said Ms Truss was "the right candidate who will work tirelessly for the local community".