Last night saw a bit of Twitter swarming suggesting ConservativeHome founder Tim Montgomerie would be a perfect local candidate for Salisbury. The incumbent Tory MP Robert Key has announced he does not intend to stand at the next election.

Guido hasn’t spoken with Tim, but would commend him for his strength of character and sense of purpose. We don’t agree on much ideologically, but Guido has the utmost respect for him as an operator and an innovator. Friends are pressing Tim to consider standing. As good a candidate as he would undoubtedly make, one questions whether Tim would really enjoy the lowered status and reduced influence he would have as just another backbench MP…