David Frost Basildon and Billericay seat speculation grows

According to The Guardian, former Brexit minister David Frost is hoping to be selected as Tory candidate to replace current Basildon and Billericay MP, John Baron.

Mr Baron announced in October he is to step down at the next General Election after 23 years.

The Basildon and Billericay Conservative Association is now beginning to look for a candidate in time for the next general election, which must be held by January 2025.

According to the Guardian, who uses Tory HQ sources, Lord Frost is hoping to be selected for Basildon and Billericay.

He is currently a member of the House of Lords.

A source close to Lord Frost highlighted that Basildon and Billericay voted strongly in favour of Brexit and is well known for supporting sound conservative values.

A source also revealed that Lord Frost has had conversations about possibly applying to stand in this seat following John Baron's decision to stand down.

However, it was reiterated that it is very early days as the seat has not yet been opened for applications. 

Polling Report UK currently has the Conservatives to hold the seat with a total of 52.2 per cent.

The Basildon and Billericay seat has been held by John Baron since it was created in 2010, so has remained under the Conservative Party since.

Alex Harrison, Labour councillor at Basildon Council, said: “Lord Frost is another private school education Tory grandee who has never visited Basildon in his life. He has never spoken to people struggling with the cost-of-living in Five Links, Ghyllgrove, or Craylands. If he is selected, he will need to prove to voters that he understands the struggles they are going through like having to go without meals to feed their children, going without heating in the middle of winter because it is too expensive, and waiting weeks for an NHS appointment because they can’t afford to go private.”

Mr Baron stepped down as he decided the “time had come to move on”.