The tendency in recent Tory selections has been to pick people with long-standing ties to the constituency over those one might consider “big names” or “SW1 insiders”.
You need to face your most ardent critics and explain your reasons. Ignoring them, only makes things worse and raises tempers.
The final part of our series this week on May’s elections. Will there be a LibDem revival – which polls have yet to indicate?
I understand that taking a hostile position can be justified on electoral grounds – just as it is certain that, in the short-term, there are votes (and even Ministerial advancement) to be had in opposing new build.