Banstead’s MP has called for the resignation of local Conservative leaders after a majority of senior Tories voted to block him from running in the next election.

After winning an overwhelming endorsement from party members across the constituency last week, Conservative MP Crispin Blunt has turned the tables on those who did not back his reselection.

In September Reigate and Banstead Conservative Association’s executive council did not endorse him as parliamentary candidate amid claims his coming out as gay in 2010 lost him support.

Mr Blunt said last week's reselection, where 80 per cent of Conservative party members backed him for 2015, showed those who did not support him, including the chairman, president and treasurer, were out of touch with its members. 

Mr Blunt said: "I would like them to step down and enable new officers to be chosen who are more closely aligned with the Conservative membership."

A pair of deputy chairmen of the association, who supported Mr Blunt, have said they will stand down as officers if Mr Blunt's demand is met.

After a meeting of the executive council last Thursday, Mr Crispin said the mood was that five leaders, including his supporter deputy chairmen, Simon Parnall and Julian Ellacott, should step down.

He said: "The view of the executive council was all five of them should take responsibility for the failure of the executive council to be in any way close to the views of the membership they represent."

Mr Parnall said: "It’s fair to say officers are considering their positions in light of the meeting. I supported Crispin in the campaign.

"Do I feel responsible? No, but I feel we need to step down and have a fresh start.

"Officers are considering whether they should stand down. I would stand down in order to give us a fresh start. I feel there needs to be a change of scene."

Rita Renton, chairman of the RBCA, treasurer Richard Coad and president John Mill could not be reached to comment.

 

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