couple of points pro and con, Nothing against local candidates wanting to represent their own area but can anyone name an ex-Prime Minister or leader of the Opposition who represented a constituancy where he was born or spent a greater part of his life ,I'm thinking most were 'parachuted' in from outside.
Its a fair bet that the local Labour folks of Hartlepool who selected Mandelson (the guy who 'confused' mushy peas with guacamole) for a northern industrial/working class seat had similar concerns about being landed with an unknown quantity like the local Conservatives do at the presnt time.
The job (MP) is for a national leadership position, and possibly a role in Govt. so I would think, would require better skills and knowledge than those used organizing bin bag collections and the siting of dog 'poo' receptacles (no reflection intended against any local candidates of either party) .
Maybe its a bit naive to think that all MPs are equal , but those on the front benchs are a bit more equal than those sitting on the backbenchs
