Conservative Party faces backlash in Basildon & Billericay for selecting Richard Holden as sole candidate without local consultation.

Conservative Party faces local backlash as Tory chair Richard Holden is selected as the sole candidate for Basildon and Billericay constituency, replacing retiring MP John Baron. Local Conservatives are reportedly “extremely put out” at the lack of choice, with the party's group leader on Basildon council labelling the central Tory office as "shameful". The decision raises concerns about local Conservatives not being consulted and feeling disrespected, with some members considering their options to challenge the decision.