Does the central organisation of the Conservative Party have too much power over the choice of candidates when a snap election is called? 190 constituencies were without candidates when the election was unexpectedly announced on 22 May. The way that one of these seats, Basildon & Billericay, was filled by the incumbent party chairman without local consultation attracted particular attention. Alistair Lexden commented on the matter in a letter published in The Times on June 7.
Sir, Are we going back to the era of the pocket borough? It was common enough 200 years ago for constituencies to get MPs without reference to the wishes of local people. It would seem that the Conservative Party today sees merit in that practice (“Backlash as safe seat is given to Tory chairman”, Jun 6). In 1998 the party agreed a constitution which was supposed to make it open and democratic. In reality, its internal affairs at national level are largely under the control of unaccountable, short-term officials, working alongside an appointed party chairman who is often a transient and embarrassed phantom, in Disraeli’s phrase.
Lord Lexden
Conservative Party historian
