Voters get chance to pick candidate

10:33am Tuesday 4th July 2006

VOTERS are to be given the chance to pick which Conservative candidate they want to stand in the next General Election.

The Big Brother-style vote will see Eltham constituents able to select their favourite candidate from three contenders set to be shortlisted by Greenwich Conservatives in the next few weeks.

The contender with the highest number of votes will stand as the Conservative candidate when the next General Election is called.

Greenwich Conservatives identified Eltham to trial the new selection method in a bid to woo voters after the ward was identified as a target seat by Conservative Central Office.

The Eltham seat is currently held by Labour MP Clive Efford.

It will be the first time in London where people, besides Conservative Party members, will decide who stands as a prospective parliamentary candidate.

Councillor Chris Taylor, a spokesman for Greenwich Conservatives, believes holding the "open primary" will help engage the public with politics.

He said: "There is a lot of disillusionment with the political process and with politicians.

"The public feels shut out and not listened to.

"But we believe this will be a fantastic way to get people interested in democracy.

"Rather than politicians making all the decisions, we are opening it up to the public."

Chairman of Greenwich Conservatives Graham Attwood will draw up a shortlist before the association's executive panel reduces the list down to three.

The three candidates are set to be grilled before a live audience by former Tory MP Michael Portillo at the Bob Hope Theatre, Wythfield Road, Eltham, at 7.30pm on July 31.

Following his tough questioning, the audience will have the chance to ask contenders questions before the vote is held and the candidate announced.

To vote on July 31 you need to complete a pre-registration form. Call Greenwich Conservatives on 020 8850 2880 or visit greenwichconservatives.com

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