Former Theresa May adviser Nick Timothy to run as Tory candidate in Matt Hancock’s seat
Theresa May’s former chief of staff, Nick Timothy, has been selected to represent Matt Hancock’s seat in the next general election.
Mr Timothy was selected by the Tory Party to fight in Mr Hancock’s West Suffolk seat.
The former health secretary currently represents the constituency as an independent after having the Tory whip removed following his appearance on ITV’s I’m a Celebrity…Get Me Out Of Here! He is due to stand down at the next general election.
Hancock’s decision to appear on the reality TV show sparked a backlash from Covid-19 charities and families of those bereaved, as well as politicians and some members of the local West Suffolk Conservative Association.
Mr Hancock won the seat in 2019 with a 23,000 vote majority.
Mr Timothy, who was one of Mrs May’s most trusted adviser’s and worked with her when she was Home Secretary and Prime Minister, is thought to have strong family ties to the constituency.
Local Conservative councillor Lance Stanbury told PA News Agency he was “delighted” that Mr Timothy had been selected.
“He gave an excellent presentation today and is clearly all over the policy and understands all the issues for West Suffolk and I think will make a great candidate.”
Chair of the West Suffolk Conservative Association Rachel Hood said the selection process was “rigorous, open and transparent”.
“We had a very high calibre shortlist of candidates and we are very grateful to everybody who put themselves forward for selection,” she added.
With additional reporting from the PA News Agency.
