Hunt is still on for Great Yarmouth's next Tory candidate

Following Sir Brandon Lewis' announcement in March that he would not be standing again in the next general election, Conservative HQ has been on the hunt for the constituency's next candidate.

The next general election is yet to be announced. Yarmouth Conservatives chairman Robert Price said the process is still ongoing, but there have been "some quality candidates, both locally and further afield".

"Central office is keeping us informed of what is happening with the selection process. And we have received applications from a diverse range of candidates," he added.

Great Yarmouth Conservatives chairman Robert Price. Picture - Submitted (Image: Submitted)

Since Monday, candidates for Ealing Central and Acton, Coventry East, Stockport, and Crewe and Nantwich have all been announced.

Proud to be selected as the @Conservatives candidate for Ealing Central and Acton. I look forward to the campaign with @Ealing_Tories @EalingYC . pic.twitter.com/I9N69xIIqE

— James Windsor-Clive (@jwindsorclive) April 4, 2024

While nothing has been confirmed on when Great Yarmouth's new Tory candidate will be announced, Mr Price said he expects it will happen sometime after the upcoming AGM at the end of this month.

There is speculation that senior borough councillors could be in the running. Bradwell councillor Daniel Candon has confirmed he had not put his name forward, stating: "I am more focused on local issues in my role as councillor at this time."

Councillor Daniel Candon. (Image: Submitted)Sir Brandon's parliamentary assistant and Gorleston councillor Paul Wells has also confirmed he did not apply for the vacant candidate role.

Great Yarmouth Borough Council leader Carl Smith neither confirmed nor denied making an application.

Great Yarmouth Borough Council leader Carl Smith. Picture - Sonya Duncan (Image: Sonya Duncan)Mr Smith said: "There is a process the association has to go through and then the decision will be made.

"Read what you want out of that.

"The party will go through the process, then they'll pick a candidate. As councillors, we keep out of it as it is actually separate to us."

Bradwell councillor and Norfolk County Council's lead for transport Graham Plant was also contacted, but was unavailable for comment.