An astounding 18 of David Cameron’s A-listers will be heading for East Anglia tomorrow, including Adam Rickitt and Louise Bagshawe, hoping to 
be picked for the true blue hotspot of Mid-Norfolk.
There are 20 candidates in all on the shortlist for this new constituency, including the “dashing” James Tumbridge who last year stood in Norwich North against Ian Gibson.
Adam, who is to appear in panto in Norwich this Christmas, is quoted as saying he would give “both my arms and legs to serve Norfolk”.
The local Conservative association have made it clear that they want somebody with star quality. A member of the Mid-Norfolk Conservative Association who has never heard of Adam (could that prove to be in his favour?) said they wanted someone who would bring them national attention.
“Mid Norfolk is a jewel in the Conservative crown and we are looking for somebody very, very special, somebody who has the potential to be a cabinet minister.
“This is someone who needs to be ready for the front bench in about 10 years’ time, so this may mean we are looking for youth.
“Above all, this is about getting people of real talent and ability into the parliamentary party.”
James (pic), with strong local links who is not on the A-list, would easily meet that criteria. He has talent and charisma and worked his socks off in the last campaign. He even made it into The Sun.
The local association is certainly spoilt for choice, but how many of these A’listers were forced on them? There must be a real shortage of plum seats like this, I’m wondering if this is the highest number of A-listers that have been shortlisted. Where will those not selected head off to next, I wonder, I believe it might be the new Witham seat in Essex. In fact, how many plum seats are left? Will they put their names forward for seats where they are unlikely to win, just to get the experience?
