9/26/2009

Iain Dale on Bracknell shortlist ?

Rumours and comments on ConHome suggest Iain Dale is one of the six shortlisted Tories to replace Andrew Mackay in Bracknell.

Only a rumour as yet.

Update : In further support of this, Iain says on Twitter that he is canvassing for a local council election this morning. I note on the Bracknell Council website that they have a by-election in October.

9 comments:

Sir Edward Heath said...

I hope so and I hope he wins - though I imagine his being openly gay will count against him in a big way (though it will never be mentioned publicly of course). It tends to, I'm afraid. Less so if he was more of a covert gay. Mind you, saying that, I'm quite happy to proven wrong on this occasion. For he is one of few people with any real talent on the political scene at this moment in time. It is therefore sad that people with less talent and, who are often less deserving, will most probably beat him to the role. And all because he was born gay - prejudice is a terrible thing you know.

Dan said...

It's one of their open selections.... all non Tories - vote Iain Dale to be the Tory candidate...

Sir Edward Heath said...

"It's one of their open selections - all non-Tories." Having non-Tories, if you actually believe that is what happens at open selections, could actually make this far, far worse. UKippers could attend. Hee! Hee! Hee!

James Higham said...

I'll keep watching this space, Nich.

Nich Starling said...

If it is true (and it is all rumours at the moment), then I have to say I think he would be a good choice.

Forget fake "Love bombing" by nasty right wingers (Pickles falls in to that category). If the Tories want to reach out to the middle ground whilst also having people with fundamental links to the Thatcher era, a foot in both camps candidate, then Iain is their man.

Wopuld I vote for him over a Lib Dem ? No. Would I attend an open primary if I lived in Bracknell and vote for him. Yes I would.

I prefer Lib Dems, but if I couldn't have a Lib Dem, I think Iain Dale would be a good choice.

Quietzapple said...

Terrible place.

Who is selecting the "Open" candidates? The London mayoral one was a showe in for Chameleon's choice Boris Johnson, and the Totnes one was a similar fiddle:

http://quietzapple-musing.blogspot.com/2009/08/open-primary-by-post-in-totnes.html

http://quietzapple-musing.blogspot.com/2009/08/tory-tactics-in-totnes-open-primary.html

dazmando said...

The short list is looking complete

http://bracknellblog.blogspot.com/2009/09/shortlist-to-replace-andrew-mackay-mp.html

Will 883 said...

Being openly gay didn’t seem to be much of an issue in North Norfolk so not sure it will be in Bracknell. Maybe you are still stuck in the 70s, Sir Edward?

On that note, Bracknell does seem to be a perfect seat for Iain Dale – given that he could lose the Tories 10,000 votes again and STILL win! :)

Anonymous said...

Well yes and no Will. When North Norfolk voted to select there candidate last time they asked the candidates if they were gay!

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