Cormack gets second chance

MP Sir Patrick Cormack will face another secret ballot to determine the future of his political career, after the vote which effectively ousted him was found to be invalid.

Tory Party chairman Francis Maude yesterday ordered the South Staffordshire association to "re-examine the procedures" surrounding the ballot, which saw Sir Patrick deselected by a narrow margin.

Sir Patrick said there had been allegations of irregularities in the vote taken by the constituency party's executive council on February 12 and that more ballot papers were cast than the number of people present.

The vote went against Sir Patrick by a narrow majority but the voting figures have remained secret - even from the MP himself.

Chairman of the South Staffordshire Conservative Association Councillor David Billson said: "There was a minor clerical error, which was noticed by our secretary, and she quite rightly referred the matter for guidance to our regional office, who then referred it to our central office.

"As chairman, I declared the ballot null and void.

"Another will take place in March but we do not know what date yet."

The move to get rid of Sir Patrick, aged 67, who has represented the South Staffordshire constituency in Parliament for 37 years, split the association and caused an outcry at Westminster where he won backing from MPs.

He said yesterday: "These have been two difficult weeks, but I have been enormously encouraged by letters of support from the constituency and the goodwill of colleagues on all sides of the House of Commons.

"I hope now we can sort this matter out in a sensible manner. It really is a matter for the local association to resolve."

It has been a controversial time for the South Staffordshire Conservative Association. Days after Sir Patrick was voted out, it was revealed four district councillors had also been deselected at a recent meeting.

Exclusive by Becky Sharpe