Tories to consider candidate options after review ends

Wells Conservative Association will start a new Parliamentary candidate selection process in 2011, following the Government’s launch next month of a national Parliamentary Boundary Review.

The party will be selecting a candidate to fight the next election for the constituency following the defeat of David Heathcoat-Amory in May.

Constituency boundaries are determined by the Boundary Commissions for England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.

Each commission is required by the Parliamentary Constituencies Act 1986 to undertake a general review every eight to 12 years in order to maintain electoral equality and ensure that the sizes of the electorates in each constituency are as equal as possible.

In July

If enacted, the Bill will result in substantial changes to the Parliamentary Constituencies Act 1986, leading to fewer constituencies, less variation in electorate between constituencies, more frequent boundary reviews and a shortened review process.

Carol Davies, chairman of Wells Conservative Association, said: “Once the upcoming Boundary Review is complete and confirms the new Somerset constituency boundaries, we will commence the process to select a new candidate for Wells.

“We are delighted that a number of extremely strong applicants have already declared interest in standing, and we look forward to selecting a new Conservative candidate to spearhead our campaign to reclaim the Parliamentary seat for Wells.”

All local party members will be given the opportunity to participate in the selection process.