Die-hard Tories tell Kirkbride where to go

Nov 11 2009 By Jon Walker

Despite announcing plans to quit the House of Commons over her expenses claims, Tory Bromsgrove MP Julie Kirkbride plans a U-turn.

She has told activists in her constituency that she would like to stand again and it seems the Tory leadership in London is supporting her.

But even die-hard Conservatives have their doubts – if comments on Conservative Home, the website for party members, are anything to go by.

One reader, “Concanvassser” said: “Conservative Central Office must tell this ghastly free loader where to sling it.”

Another, going by the name “Ultimo Tiger”, said: “If she’s so desperate to be in Parliament, bung her off into retirement for a few years and then shotgun her into the Lords.”

But a number of party activists also expressed sympathy, claiming Ms Kirkbride had been unfairly treated by the media.