Growing speculation Bromsgrove MP to stand at next election (From Bromsgrove Advertiser)

Growing speculation Bromsgrove MP to stand at next election

12:13pm Monday 27th July 2009

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SPECULATION is mounting that Bromsgrove MP Julie Kirkbride, who announced she would step down at the next election following revelations over her expenses, is reconsidering her decision.

Reports in the national press suggest Miss Kirkbride has been given a lifeline by her constituency association as a 3,300 name petition, handed into them earlier this month, is “seriously flawed.”

It has been reported officials claim many of the 3,300 signatories live outside the constituency, some have signed more than once, and some signatures are said to be clearly children’s.

The Advertiser/Messenger first reported on rumours the town MP was to do a u-turn on July 15. While other Tory associations with candidates who are standing down are selecting new candidates, Bromsgrove is still yet to do so.

The Daily Telegraph has speculated that should the town’s MP be given a second chance, it could put Bromsgrove Conservative Association on a “collision course” with Tory party leader David Cameron, who is said to have acted ruthlessly with MPs caught up in the expenses scandal.

David Cameron was asked about Julie Kirkbride’s possible U-turn on the BBC’s Andrew Marr show on Sunday, (July 26).

He said: “Well I don't think anything has changed on this front.

“I mean she announced she wouldn't be standing. She, like other MPs, has got to be examined by the Legg Committee, which is looking into those arrangements, and as far as I can see nothing has changed from there.”

Thomas Legg is heading an inquiry into all MPs expenses claimed over the last four years. It is expected he will report his findings in the autumn.

In a statement, Alan Dent, chairman of Bromsgrove Conservative Association, said: “No decisions have yet been taken about our parliamentary candidate at the next election.

“It is however worth noting that the petitioners have been discredited and their petition has far fewer signatures than promised.

“As far as Julie is concerned she remains a very popular MP and continues to work hard. We have received many calls, letters and visits from across the community asking for her to stand again.”

He added the matter would be considered “in due course” after Sir Thomas Legg had issued his report.

Julie Kirkbride, said: “It is a matter for the Conservative Association.

“I remain truly sorry Bromsgrove was brought into the expenses row but I do believe I am innocent of the charges levelled against me. I hope the Legg inquiry will demonstrate this.”

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