Julian Sturdy
Many congratulations to Julian Sturdy on being selected the Conservative candidate to contest the new York Outer parliamentary seat.

It was a particularly great achievement as he was chosen in preference to two A-list candidates, Kevin Hollinrake and Julie Moody who, like Julian, are locals. Julian believes he had the edge because of his policital experience – he stood against Environemnt Secretary Elliot Morley in Scunthorpe during last year’s general election and ousted a Lib Dem Mayor when he won his seat on Harrogate Borough Council in 2002.

His Lib Dem rival is Madeleine Kirk and we are looking forward to planning our campaign on local issues.

Did I mention that I shall be his Press Officer? Oh yes, I can’t wait because I know what a genuine and great guy Julian is, just like his dad MEP Robert Sturdy.

Julian is also subject to much interesting speculation on ConservativeHome, I recommend you take a peek.