Tory candidate fiasco in Carlisle
Just hours after outsider Kevin Newton was named as the new Conservative candidate for Carlisle, he was told he was not eligible to represent the city in Parliament.
The selection process for the next prospective Tory MP for the Cumbrian city must now start anew after the candidate selection process was declared void.
The two leading contenders in the race to become Conservative candidate for Carlisle were the city’s mayor Judith Pattinson and the city council leader Mike Mitchelson.
However, 31-year-old Mr Newton won the ballot and was declared party candidate. The party then withdrew him yesterday morning claiming that he had not fulfilled all the requirements for selection and was therefore was not eligible to stand.
It is believed Mr Newton, who runs a caravan park at Ettrick in the Scottish borders, had not taken part in a candidate’s selection panel, a requirement of Conservative Central Office.
Conservatives in Carlisle may now have to wait another three months to find out who will challenge Labour candidate Eric Martlew at the next general election.
Constituency agent Charlotte Stewart told the News & Star: “After checking this with Conservative central office, the selection process is now deemed null and void and, therefore, it is with regret that the Conservative Party cannot accept Kevin Newton as the Conservative Party candidate for Carlisle.
“The procedure for re-selection will therefore begin after the June elections, subject to appeal.”
Mr Newton has blamed one of his defeated rivals for raising the technicality in a bid to scupper his chances, but has refused to say whether he suspects Ms Pattinson or Mr Mitchelson.
He expressed his “deep disappointment” at the decision and added: “If I would be allowed to get on with my campaign, I’m sure I can win Carlisle for the Conservatives. With that in mind, I hope very much we can stop fighting amongst ourselves and start fighting the opposition.”
The Carlisle seat has been held by Labour MP Eric Martlew since 1987.
