Michael Howard has issued a statement describing Ashley Crossley as an “excellent candidate” after it emerged that he faces a deselection battle next month in the winnable seat of Falmouth and Camborne. Despite suggestions in the constituency that he “should be put in a dustbin and pissed on”.

Whilst CCO and the candidate are presenting the situation as an anti-gay backlash it appears likely that Mr Crossley’s role in the suspension of eight members of the management committee for thoughtcrimes might explain the animosity. (They allegedly promoted a UKIP video before the Euro-elections).

The lovely Andy Duncan is, disappointingly, not going to help out in Falmouth. He does not think he will go down well.