This looks to be the latest installment in a contest ConservativeHome has long covered: the endless tug-of-war between constituency associations and CCHQ over the ins and outs of candidate selection.
Local councils in England received £30 million in funding to help them put together teams of compliance officers. So how has it been used?
The management consultant and media policy specialist won out last night.
The final selection takes place next Tuesday.
A “truncated” process will see the shortlist chosen straight away, without face to face interviews.