Eltham is the first ward in London to give electors the chance to choose the Conservative candidate for the next general election. CHRIS JOHNSON reports.

Politics is becoming a dirty word these days with politicians keener than ever to instil confidence into a disillusioned electorate.

Last week the Bob Hope Theatre in Wythfield Road, Eltham, provided the platform for three wannabe MPs to step into the spotlight.

Each candidate was brought before the 130-strong audience to be grilled by former MP Michael Portillo.

Hopefuls David Gold, Eric Ollerenshaw and Jackie Doyle-Price were each led through a series of 10 questions by Mr Portillo before the electors got to ask their own questions.

Mr Portillo did his best to show he was now far removed from political spin, and frequently told the three contenders to "answer the question" when they skirted the issue.

Questions ranged from "should MPs know who the Arctic Moneys are?" to "what is the weakest public service in Eltham?"

Speaking before he took to the stage, Mr Portillo told News Shopper: "This process is not about looking for the person which the Conservative party is most comfortable with, but for the person the electorate is most confident in."

But it appears Greenwich Conservatives were not too concerned about cross-party saboteurs who may have turned up to try and vote in the weakest contender.

As Mr Portillo pointed out: "As long as the shortlist is strong it doesn't matter too much if we have Labour and Liberal Democrat voters having a say.

"All three candidates have approached this evening bravely and confidently."

To claim the candidacy the person needed at least 50 per cent of the vote, with David Gold declared the winner.

Greenwich Conservatives would not reveal the breakdown, but Councillor Chris Taylor said: "David received a majority vote very comfortably.

"All three contenders were excellent and now we look forward to working with David as he builds his manifesto for the next general election."

DAVID STANLEY GOLD'S CV

Proudest moment: Moonwalking in a power-walk marathon in London to raise money for breast cancer charities in memory of his late mother.

Political history: Includes working as a diary secretary for MP William Hague in his private office from 1997 to 1999. Has also been a researcher in House of Commons to other MPs and stood as a Tory candidate in Brighton Pavilion in 2001.

He thinks reforms of public services are a key priority for the Tories to cut bureaucracy and increase money in front-line services.

He says he is a good candidate for Eltham because: "I build teams which work together with a clear purpose and strength of direction, but remain open to ideas."

Lives in Lewisham, but is making plans to move to Eltham as soon as possible.

In 2005 he had a civil partnership with partner of six years Mark.