[garinda]

Originally Posted by Gayle

But the times that PB lost in the past where when there was a strong Labour Government with strong support - the odds are that ANY Tory candidate would have lost. The situation is different now and the chances of Tories picking up seats like Hyndburn has increased.

Which must make it even more frustrating for the local party, that they can't have their candidate of choice.

If I was a member of the local party I'd be tempted to urge the candidate to stand as an independent Conservatives, and to cock a snoop to the grandees down at CCO.

It'd make them sit up and notice more than tearing up party membership cards.