Tory revolt as another Londoner parachuted into Lincs...

Local Conservatives are outraged at a decision by their Party to parachute another Londoner into a Lincolnshire parliamentary seat.

Some are threatening to quit Cameron's Conservatives after learning that all local applicants to replace disgraced North Hykeham and Sleaford MP Douglas Hogg have been excluded from the selection process - without even reaching the interview stage.

Mr Hogg hit the national headlines over his expense claims for cleaning his moat at his country pile.

The local would-be candidates include Christine Talbot, my old sparring partner at Lincolnshire County Council, who has broken cover to tell the Lincolnshire Echo to say even non-Tories are upset with the process.

Christine was Conservative candidate in Lincoln in the 2001 general election when she was beaten by Labour's Gilly Merron, now a Government Minister.

The Tory parachute row follows a similar row over their selection in Grantham and Stamford where Christine was also one of the hopefuls.

Another, then Tory county councillor Mark Horn for Bourne went public and attacked the shortlist which he said was made up of

wealthy, metropolitan, privileged, bright young things...totally out of touch with ordinary folk with no local connections...simply careerists looking for a safe seat.

The result was the selection of Londoner Nick Boles.

With many more MPs expected to resign of the parliamentary expenses scandal, I'm sure we haven't heard the last of Christine!