Round-up of new Conservative candidates selected in target seats, from Darlington to Plymouth

Also including: Twickenham, Battersea, Croydon Central, Kingston and Surbiton, and Dewsbury.

Candidate applications open for Carshalton & Wallington, Newport West and North Norfolk

Two seats held by the Liberal Democrats and one held by Labour form the latest tranche of Tory targets.

Nick Hargrave: We need better political leaders. Here’s how to go about getting them.

It’s good for MPs to do some work outside Westminster. This will not be a quick win in the current political climate, though. So in the interim, here are some suggestions.

Matthew Vickers selected for Stockton South

The party has selected a local candidate to win back what was one of only a few Conservative footholds in the North East.

Miriam Cates selected for Penistone & Stocksbridge

With strong local connections and potentially years to campaign, she likely has a strong chance of overturning Labour’s narrow majority.

New candidates selected: Daly in Bury North, Largan in High Peak

Two more associations in target seats, both won from Labour in 2010 only to be lost again last year, have chosen their would-be MPs.

Paul Bristow selected for Peterborough

He won out over Cllr Helen Harrison and Clarence Mitchell. The Labour majority is 607, and the possibility of a by-election looms.

Selection news: Peterborough shortlist revealed, and the first London seats open for candidate applications

Plus: the postponed selection processes in Darlington and Wirral West have been restarted. And: Ryan Henson selected in Bedford.

A candidate shortage strikes Conservative target seats

Numbers applying for target seats are down across the board. At least one Tory association has refused to shortlist, and demanded applications be reopened.

Candidate selection news: Shortlists for Bedford and Bury North

Updated, plus: the results of four recent contests in target seats – Bishop Auckland, Bristol North West, Crewe and Nantwich, and Ipswich.

Hamish McFall: CCHQ’s inquisitorial approach to council candidates risks deterring good people

Sitting councillors and aspirant candidates alike have been irritated and offended by the new process.

Selection news: Shortlist for Bristol North West; Tall selected in Bath

Cllr Mark Weston, Simon Jupp and Kirsty Finlayson compete tonight for a shot at regaining Charlotte Leslie’s former constituency.

Shortlist revealed for tomorrow’s Crewe and Nantwich open primary

Robert Largan and Dr Kieran Mullan will contest the final in the ultra-marginal seat tomorrow. And: Cllr Jack Rankin selected in Warwick and Leamington

Scott Benton selected as Conservative candidate for Blackpool South

He will be seeking to overturn Gordon Marsden’s majority of 2,523 at the next election.

Selection news: Shortlists revealed for Ipswich, and Warwick & Leamington

Several ConservativeHome contributors are among those who have made the final round in the two target seats