We know that about fifty A-listers have chosen to apply to both of the 'safe' Tory seats of South Northamptonshire and Folkestone & Hythe. Some of the other 35 seats scheduled to choose their candidates first (particularly those held by the LibDems) have been given a very limited choice. This is despite the fact that we need most of these seats in the Tory column in order to gain a parliamentary majority of one at the next General Election.
On this post we'll try and keep track of the number of applications certain target seats are receiving through the A-list process. This is what we think we know so far...
- Broxtowe - 12 applicants - o/w 8 are probably A-listers
- Central Devon - 21 applicants (unknown distribution)
- Ealing Central and Acton - selection likely to be postponed because CCHQ failed to consult local association officers about inclusion in first tranche of 35
- Eltham - unconfirmed report of 6 applicants o/w 4 are from the A-list
- Finchley and Golders Green - unknown number of applicants but apparently aborting selection schedule
- Folkestone & Hythe - 45 applicants (unknown distribution)
- Lewes - two applicants (unknown distribution)
- Mid-Derbyshire - 31 applicants - o/w 27 are probably A-listers
- Oxford West and Abingdon - two applicants - one A-lister and a local
- Richmond Park - three applicants (unknown distribution) - selection postponed
- Pendle - 8 applicants (unconfirmed) o/w 4 are A-listers
- Sefton Central - 5 applicants: three A-listers and two locals. Using open primary selection.
- Selby and Ainsty - 16 applicants - o/w 11 are A-listers
- South Northamptionshire - 50 applicants - o/w 48 are A-listers
- Stockton South - five applicants (unknown distribution) - selection going ahead
- Telford - two applicants - one A-lister and a local
- Truro and Falmouth - three applicants (unknown distribution) but selection now postponed after local association asked for six people with Cornish connections to be allowed to attend parliamentary selection board before they would make a decision.
- West Worcestershire - selection very slightly delayed to allow two local candidates to attend parliamentary selection board.
If you can provide more information on other seats please email tim@conservativehome.com.