Dozens of names have been culled from the Tory candidates list in the past two weeks, in a purge that is causing considerable ructions behind the scenes. Guido is aware of several candidates who were contacted by CCHQ and told they were being kicked off the list, with no explanation why. They believe the number booted out in similar fashion is well into double figures. The curious move has gone down very badly as the chances of appeal in time for the 2020 election are remote. Candidates are mystified as to why they have been dropped – the names include people who fought seats in 2015 and performed above expectations, others are highly thought-of up-and-comers who had support locally, in CCHQ and in parliament. Meanwhile many weak candidates remain on the list. People are very, very p*ssed off…