@MichaelLCrick’s @tomorrowsmps account on X raises a serious question about fairness and democracy within @Conservatives candidate selections. There is good reason for maintaining a respectful degree of confidentiality around selections. It protects candidates’ interests and helps ensure a fair contest. When Michael publishes names before the official process has concluded, he may get his scoop, but the consequences go well beyond a headline. Candidates discover who they are competing against, rival camps can begin campaigning against one another, and a process intended to give everyone a fair hearing risks being distorted. Worse still, candidates may be seeking selection in two or more constituencies. A premature disclosure in one can jeopardise their prospects elsewhere, potentially before they have even had the opportunity to present themselves to an Association. That is hardly fair to candidates, members or the Associations entrusted with making these decisions. There is a legitimate role for journalism in scrutinising political selections. But there is a difference between exposing wrongdoing and publishing confidential information simply to be first. Conservative democracy depends on a fair and orderly process, not a running commentary that risks influencing it before members have had their say. A quick scoop for Michael should not come at the expense of the very democratic process he is reporting on. Michael should reflect on this. #Conservatives

As the torch is passed from @HelenGrantMP to the new @Conservatives Parliamentary Candidate for Maidstone and Malling, David Thompson, it’s important to pay a huge tribute to Helen. I have seen first hand how incredibly hard she works and has been a dedicated servant to the electorate of Maidstone and Malling. Dedication to her constituents. Fighting on issues to help them. Benchmark service. The last election was tough. Helen fought tooth and nail including recovering from cancer. This focus and service was exemplary and underlined her passion for ‘her people and family’ aka her constituents. A true heart of gold. Genuinely caring. Backed by a super loyal, supportive, engaging and endearing husband Simon. At 65, 16 years service is impressive. She has earnt the right to enjoy life with her partner and family. I hope she writes a book. @IainDale I hope you are all over this. Her life. Insights. Struggles. Successes. Deserve to be shared and read. A brilliant legal career and 16 years in Parliament. A wealth of stories. Quite simply Helen. You are brilliant. And your fashionable stilettos will be difficult to fill. Saying Thank you doesn’t feel enough. #Conservatives.

EXCLUSIVE TO CONSERVATIVE HOME First Interview with David Thompson the new Conservative Parliamentary Candidate for Maidstone and Malling, succeeding Helen Grant, who is standing down at the next election. Cc @reporterboy @the_olliedean @ConHome @KemiBadenoch @Conservatives @HelenGrantMP @kevinhollinrake @thetimes @Telegraph @TheSun @DailyMail @BBCNews @SkyNews @SkyNewsPolitics @BethRigby @bbclaurak @NickFerrariLBC @GBNEWS @LBCNews @KEdge23 @GuidoFawkes #Conservatives #GeneralElection #politics conservativehome.com/2026/10…