Liberal Democrats decide to replace Mike Hancock
The local newspaper in Portsmouth reports:
The Lib-Dems decided to look for a new parliamentary candidate.
At a meeting last night the Portsmouth Liberal Democrats executive agreed it would do so and speak to the council group over its decision last week [to let Mike Hancock remain a member of the council’s cabinet]. [The News, Portsmouth]
As Mike Hancock is currently suspended by the party, he cannot take part in any such selection and therefore this decision is in effect a sacking of Mike Hancock as the party’s choice for the 2015 general election. Judging by his quote to the local papers, he is threatening to stand as an independent.
UPDATE: The party has now selected Gerald Vernon-Jackson.
Coastguard yeah have seen it Mark – MH is still saying he will choose whether he is selected or not.
John_Ferrett As an independent? No going back surely?