Of the 16 candidates who fought the Batley and Spen by-election, only one actually lives in the constituency and was therefore the only one able to vote. I'm pleased to say that she was elected.
It is to be hoped that this, together with the result from Hartlepool, where I believe the Labour candidate was 'parachuted in', might encourage local parties to choose candidates with at least some connection with the seat being contested.
I believe I'm right in saying that Ben Gummer, who captured Ipswich for the Tories and then promptly lost it, didn't live in or own a local property - a fact which may or may not have become generally known until after his victory.
It is to be hoped that this, together with the result from Hartlepool, where I believe the Labour candidate was 'parachuted in', might encourage local parties to choose candidates with at least some connection with the seat being contested.
I believe I'm right in saying that Ben Gummer, who captured Ipswich for the Tories and then promptly lost it, didn't live in or own a local property - a fact which may or may not have become generally known until after his victory.
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