Conservatives fell on their own sword of secrecy by not publicly revealing the names 
of candidates shortlisted for parliamentary seats.
Within hours of the very accomplished Liz Truss being selected for the safe seat of South West Norfolk at the weekend, a Sunday newspaper published a story about an affair she had with a married MP in 2004-05.
Liz’s selection has now been referred back to a full meeting of the Association amid rumours that she misled them by not declaring her affair during the selection. She could face losing her seat.
Several commenters have said that infomation about Liz’s affair could easily have been discovered if she had been Googled. But it is foolish to assume that everyone uses Google the same way that we do and it is really the responsibility of Conservative Central Office to fully brief local Associations about short listed candidates, especially as this affair was known to them. Local members would assume that all candidates had been fully vetted and approved by CCO, especially those on the A-list like Liz.
The local agent is reported to have said:
"It is not some moral campaign. The issue does not seem to be the affair but that some people were aware of it and some were not."
If that is true, why didn’t those who knew about it raise it during the selection? And publishing the candidates’ names in advance allows those who do use Google to do their homework in advance.
Of course, the man in question, MP Mark Field, does not face losing his parliamentary seat because of the affair, so why should Liz on these grounds? Liz, who has the full backing of David Cameron, said that the affair was "in the past". But it’s the association’s full backing she needs in order to work with them and have their respect.
I wonder if local associations cover themselves by asking that question about skeletons in the cupboard? Perhaps they should.
I admit I felt really torn when I heard Liz had been selected for this seat because I am a huge fan of runner-up James Tumbridge too who also has many outstanding qualities, as well as being Norfolk born and bred. This is one rollercoaster ride which will take more than a strong stomach to survive.
Tumbridge had a poor result here in Norwich North in 2005 and did little to impress. I am not surprised he was overlooked.
Hi Nich, actually James performed brilliantly in a really tough seat which is why he has been short listed in the region. He is held in the highest regard.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/politics/person/9316/james-tumbridge
Wasn’t it you who lost a seat on the council? That’s what I call a poor result.
That affair was in the public domain – shame on the Association for not doing its homework!
WW, they are obviously wiser in hindsight. But how many associations do Google candidates? I think there is a large degree of trust on candidates who have been shortlisted, are on the A-list, or actively promoted by CCO.
Nich, let’s not forget that as an active Lib Dem supporter, you are hardly likely to have the views you do. I would be surprised if you didn’t.
I do think it appalling that she is suffering and he, the married man she had an affair with, is not.
Sexist?
Ellee ,
You really do have to start to get it into your head just how sick the public is of our MPs and would be MPs behaviour .
We have seen across the board downright corrupt and disgraceful behaviour regarding money ( that was originally yours , mine, and Joe Publics )
Now in the case of this woman and her lover of 18 months we see that where as Cameron talks the talk on family values ( well that in many peoples eyes does actually still mean that you dont play around )he actually wants us all to accept that the behaviour of two people married to other people at the time ( in other words deceiving those people )is nothing to do with their suitability as candidates .
Surely one can hope that people wishing to attain and retain high office should be trustworthy .
Perhaps this is all the Boy Daves idea of ” modernising ” the party ?
No doubt of course that had this been some single unmarried mother behaving like this there would have been condemnation of her from Tory grandees.
Bet shes dead in the water now with the women of Norwich.
I thought that private affair is no longer an issue in civilized world. Lucky some people still using it as criteria is choosing future leaders.
Hi Ellee this is one of the topics on Radio 2 today (friday)…I agree with Philippa…he is getting away with it! Ok she made a mistake, and from what I just heard , back with her husband and he is back with his wife….Not sure if it is a big problem or not!
There was another report in today’s Eastern Daily Press and a quote saying they didn’t do Google in Norfolk.
This is not Wesminster village. But I see no reason to be insulting about Norfolk folk either, some of the best I know. Some horrid things have been said about them since this story broke, and they are not true.