MORE than 100 candidates are currently fighting it out to become the Conservative Parliamentary candidate for the new East Hampshire constituency. In a statement this week, party agent, Beverely Carpenter, told The Herald that members of East Hampshire Conservative Association are in the process of selecting a candidate who will fight the next general election in a constituency which, for the first time ever, will embrace Alton, Petersfield and Bordon. Whilst losing the most southerly wards of Clanfield, Horndean, Denmead and Rowlands Castle to the new Meon Valley constituency, the East Hampshire seat will see the addition of several wards which are currently part of North East Hampshire. The aim of the exercise is to balance up the size of the electorate with East Hampshire having around 67,450 electors, the rural seat of Meon Valley 65,950, and North East Hampshire 67,400. For Bordon and its surrounding villages the change will result in a new MP since it is currently part of North East Hampshire, represented by James Arbuthnot (Con). East Hampshire, of which Alton and Petersfield are already part, is currently held by Michael Mates (Con) who was re-elected in May 2005 for an eighth consecutive term of office. After 32 years as a member first for Petersfield and then East Hampshire, Mr Mates has announced that he will not stand for the next election. By the end of February local party members will have chosen the four finalists. Unusually, members of the public are being invited to participate in the final stages of the process. The Conservative Association has issued an open invitation to all electors in the new East Hampshire constituency to hear the four finalists speak, ask them questions and complete a feedback form before they leave. The meeting will take place at the Alton Community Centre on Thursday, February 15. The doors will open at 7 pm for a 7.30 pm start, entry is free, but by ticket only. Anyone wishing to participate must apply to Beverely Carpenter at the Alton Conservative Association office, 14a Butts Road, Alton, GU34 1ND or log onto the website at http://www.easthantsconservatives.com">www.easthantsconservatives.com. Conservative Association chairman, Ian Johnston commented: "This is an exciting time for the local Conservative Party. The selection of a prospective parliamentary candidate is a rare event in East Hampshire. It is important that everyone, regardless of political affiliations, should be given the opportunity to be involved."
