On 03/05/2011 14:50, Tim Streater wrote:

All major parties "parachute" in candidates AFAIK.

The Tories don't. People apply to be candidates. Of course if it's a
safe seat, you'll get more applicants. But you have to be on the list to
be able to apply for a safe-ish or better seat. You won't get on *that*
list without having fought at least one no-hoper.

The method of selection is much the same for all 3 major parties and all
local parties can be persuaded that it is their duty to select a
favourite of the national leadership.

Malcolm Rifkind was one such. Why else would Kensington and Chelsea
select a failed Scottish politician?

--
Roger Chapman