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Selection Dispute Threatens Leicester East MP Shivani Raja’s Re-election Bid
By Drooid · · How we work
Selection Controversy Over Leicester East MP
Leicester East MP Shivani Raja faced an attempt to block her standing as the Conservative candidate for the next general election. The Leicester Conservative Federation (LCF) convened a secret ballot at the end of September to decide whether she would be re-selected. According to the BBC, Raja narrowly lost that ballot and was not readopted. Party officials later declared the meeting null and void, stating it had not been properly constituted because of an administrative error in the invitation process.
Background and Recent Election
Raja secured the Leicester East seat in the 2024 general election, defeating independent MP Claudia Webbe with a 4,426-vote majority. The constituency was the only Conservative gain in that election cycle, highlighting its strategic importance for the party.
Party Officials’ Response
King added that a new selection meeting would be scheduled in due course. The BBC has sought comment from the Conservative Party’s Central Office but has not received a response at the time of reporting.
Implications and Next Steps
The nullification of the selection process leaves Raja’s candidacy uncertain and may trigger another internal vote to determine the party’s nominee for Leicester East. Given the seat’s status as a recent Conservative gain, the outcome could influence the party’s prospects in the upcoming general election. Stakeholders will be watching for the date of the rescheduled selection meeting and any further statements from party leadership.