13/02/2007

Long-standing Conservative MP fails to be reselected

Long-serving Conservative MP Sir Patrick Cormack has not been reselected to stand as a parliamentary candidate in the next general election, it has been revealed.

Sir Patrick, 67, failed to be reselected by his constituency party in South Staffordshire.

Sir Patrick, who has served as an MP since 1970, secured the largest swing to the Conservatives - 9.4% - at the last general election. He now has the opportunity of seeking the endorsement of the entire constituency membership, which amounts to around 500 people.

Sir Patrick is understood to have a large personal following in South Staffordshire and some local Conservatives believe that he could beat an official Tory candidate if he ran as an independent.

Sir Patrick is a former Conservative spokesperson on constitutional affairs and a former shadow deputy leader of the House of Commons.

(KMcA)

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