The West of England was a narrow Conservative victory last time. It is likely to be closely fought again.
Our readers’ top choice was the same as Number Ten’s for the Lords: York. But a good case was made for Coventry – and Warwick University.
Plus: Open regional Tory offices but don’t take CCHQ out of London. The coming IR35 disaster. And: where will you be on January 31?
Bath, Bishop Auckland, Bristol North West, Peterborough, and Wirral West are seeking candidates, as are several northern cities.
This weakening of local accountability makes it all the more important for Conservatives to offer voters a clear alternative.
The Party cannot be one of the South and of the countryside if it is to engage with voters – and to win.