As reported by Guido last week he was facing trouble in his constituency:

When I heard the Prime Minister’s announcement of an early General Election I reacted enthusiastically with my only thought being to play my part in strengthening the position of the Conservative Party in Parliament.

Despite reservations on the part of some supporters about my candidature in the 2015 election I nevertheless helped to deliver the largest Conservative majority the constituency had ever known. So when asked by the media, friends and constituents whether I would be standing again my immediate reaction was positive.

I have had time during the last seven days to consult many people, not least my family and reflect on the unexpected situation which has arisen. Whilst I have no doubt as to my capacity and commitment to carry out my representative duties I have begun to recognize that it might test the friendship and goodwill of so many people whose support I have enjoyed if I sought to do so for a further five years.

I feel now that my initial instinctive response was premature and that I should not after all seek re-election for the Saffron Walden constituency in whose debt I am for the privilege of being granted 40 years’ service.

With a majority in Saffron Walden of 24,991 Tory wannabees will sell their grandmothers for the seat…

Tory MPs wishing to stand again need a majority of their association’s executive council to support them (or failing that a majority of association members). This means a number of Tory MPs are facing deselection battles. It is somewhat remarkable that Northampton South Tory MP David Mackintosh’s political career has survived this far given the stench emanating from his loans scandal with his local football club. Local Tories were not convinced he was MP material first time round and have been horrified at his refusal to resign. Local BBC reporters say a majority of Mackintosh’s executive council will vote to deselect him – he is in big trouble. 

Also worth keeping an eye on veteran Tory Alan Haselhurst in Saffron Walden. Haselhurst will be 80 in June and has been an MP for 40 years. There have been open calls at association meetings in recent months for him to announce his retirement. Yet Haselhurst wants to stand again. His selection meeting will be lively…

UPDATE: Guido hears a third Tory MP, Jack Lopresti in Filton and Bradley Stoke, is also facing a fight. His local association were deeply unimpressed with his affair with fellow Tory MP Andrea Jenkyns. Another awkward selection meeting ahead…