Tory MP deselected for 'neglect of voters'
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.A frontbench Tory MP was deselected last night after facing bitter criticism from local party leaders about his alleged neglect of the constituency.
Nick Hawkins, who is a constitutional affairs spokesman, lost a vote of confidence among Tory members in Surrey Heath, his affluent constituency, by what is understood to be a substantial majority.
He became the first sitting Tory MP to be ousted by his local party for seven years. Mr Hawkins stormed out of the Conservative regional offices in Dorking when the result was declared, saying: "I will continue to remain a member of the shadow front bench."
Ballot papers had been sent out after his local party executive voted by 44 to 13 three weeks ago to remove him. He had survived an attempt to deselect him in 1999 after he left his wife and three children, and moved in with a Tory councillor, whom he married.
But dissent resurfaced amid claims that he was not a "team player" and ignored local party activists. There were complaints about the former barrister's so-called "Worzel Gummidge" appearance.
Richard Robinson, the Conservative Association president and the MP's most vociferous critic, said: "He cuts us out completely, fielding all calls from his offices in Westminster. It's a very awkward and difficult situation."
Michael Howard, the Tory leader, was forced to intervene last month when the MP faced accusations of using racist language about party members.
Mr Hawkins claimed he was the victim of a smear campaign and alleged there was a plot against him by a group of Freemasons.
His deselection leaves one of the country's safest Conservative seats up for grabs.
Subscribe to Independent Premium to bookmark this article
Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Premium subscription today.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments