News

MP Andrew MacKay was caught up in the expenses scandal
advertisement

Hundreds apply to replace shamed Bracknell MP Andrew MacKay

September 04, 2009

Hundreds of applications have been received for the Bracknell Tory Parliamentary candidacy to replace shamed MP Andrew MacKay.

Yesterday was the closing date for people to put their names forward.

Bracknell MP Andrew MacKay to step down

Mr MacKay announced he would not stand in the General Election, expected next year, after he and his MP wife Julie Kirkbride were caught up in the expenses scandal earlier this year.

The Conservatives have nine candidacies available across the country, including Bracknell.

A spokesman for the party said it has had “thousands” of applications for the positions.

Bracknell Conservatives secretary Councillor Mary Ballin said: “It’s an exciting time but it’s a sad time too as Andrew will be missed.

Sadness at Andrew Mackay's demise

“I don’t feel any withdrawal of friendship from Andrew but he recognises that the process must move forwards now.”

| Submit Comments | View Comments (2)

« Previous Story | Next Story »

Most recent user comments 2 of 2

Show 15 | 25 | 50 per page

In addition, Labour was in control of the council 12 years ago, so there's a reason for the Tories not to think Labour are down and out in Bracknell over the long-term.

Talavera, Little Sandhurst
7/09/2009 at 16:45

In a way, the next Bracknell election should be interesting. Not with regards to which party wins, for even with the MacKay scandal this seat is safe Tory territory at the moment. What should be interesting is the race for the Tory candidacy, and whether the Liberal Democrats can come second ahead of Labour. Who comes second could be of long-term importance, because although recent election results may deceive, Bracknell constituency's demographics suggest Bracknell could become a three-way battleground in the future. Bracknell is the only new town in the country which hasn't gone red at some point in its history, and the social make-up that favours Labour in other new towns does exist in Bracknell as well. The Liberal Democrats also have something to point to, since a part of the social make-up favours them as well, and nearby Newbury constituency's strong Lib Dem presence can also give them comfort.