Luton & Wayfield Tories Select

So months of waiting over and some names have been passed in this direction on the Conservative candidates for Luton & Wayfield ward that will be standing against in May 2011.

As yet little local profile beyond Tashi himself but that will surely change in the months to come:

Snippets of information online as yet. Hope have got the right people but apologies if do not.

Tashi Bhutia

ex Gurkha, current Councillor for the Luton & Wayfield ward and former employee at BAE systems. Previous political experience in River Ward in 2007 where he was defeated in a close fight with Bill Esterson who later became MP for Sefton Central.

Des Hall

Twitter profile: @Desrhall74. According to an historic twitter profile 'family man who has interest in sports, politics and life in general, well tweet relentlessly about anything and everything' Enjoys the apprentice. Looks like good fun. No previous history in Medway local government.

Gloria Opara

Twitter profile: @gloriaopara (TBC). According to twitter 'mother, wife, school teacher, Christian, Preacher, IT professional and a big heart for community cohesion' Another person who seem very friendly and approachable. Strong Christian leanings which adds to the debate.

Impressive selection from the Conservatives and does positively reflect on a change of type of candidate. This blog has complained about the need to change in all parties to accept a younger and more diverse slate and whilst it has moaned internally at our processes it seems that the Tories are also modernising as well.

Sad news for the area that Val and Tony Goulden will not stand for election again in 2011 according to Alan Watkins. This blogger only met them once but they did an awful lot of work for the ward and they will be a tough legacy for anyone to follow.

This does make it a straight Labour/Conservative fight. Rumours that the English Democrats may make an appearance in this ward are also on the cards though yet to be confirmed. Given the risk on the deposit would say they need some deep pockets.

No word on Liberal Democrats, Greens or an Independent challenge.

Looks like the fight is on.