Kennedy to step down after four years in Parliament

The South Ribble MP’s departure is a surprise – as is the fact that a shortlist to replace her has been agreed in secret before her news was announced.

Lord Ashcroft: In ten marginals that the Conservatives hold over Labour, I find them ahead in five

Two are ties, and Labour are ahead in three, though well within the margin of error.

The Election Battleground 1) The North West

In the first of our series looking at May’s electoral battlegrounds, we explore the fierce fights which are taking place across the North West.

A round-up of recent parliamentary candidate selections

From Aberdeen to Ealing, Torfaen to Norfolk, associations are selecting their candidates for 2015.

Seema Kennedy chosen as the Conservative candidate for South Ribble

She was forced to flee Iran with her family after the Islamic Revolution

Cllr Warren Bennett: Welfare Reform is working in South Ribble

A life on benefit should be for those in need – not a lifestyle choice.

Selections open for South Ribble and South Thanet

Candidates sought to replace Laura Sandys and Lorraine Fullbrook – and perhaps to fight against Farage in 2015.

Why is the selection of General Election candidates moving so slowly?

Hundreds of seats are yet to select, and there are claims of deliberate delays.

Jessica Lee MP steps down: 11 per cent of Tory women elected in 2010 have decided to leave Parliament

The Erewash MP’s departure raises serious question for the party on how to retain female MPs.