The race to become the next MP for Hemel Hempstead was thrown into chaos today after the Conservative candidate stepped down from the role just 50 minutes before the window for nominations closed.
Jaymey McIvor, a councillor for the Epping Forest area, had been selected as the Tories’ bid to replace outgoing MP Sir Mike Penning on Thursday, May 16.
But at 3.10pm today (Friday, June 7), he posted a statement on his social media stating: “I am sad to confirm that I am no longer the candidate for the Hemel Hempstead constituency. This is for personal reasons.
“I’m incredibly proud of my campaign and the people I’ve met along the way. Especially the members who put their faith in me.”
A popular account on X (formerly Twitter) that tracks prospective and confirmed candidates in UK elections, @Tomorrow’sMPs, has alleged that local members of the party have been told by Conservative headquarters (CCHQ) that the decision was made after Mr McIvor’s membership of the party was suspended, according to information apparently related to the account by the Hemel Hempstead Conservative Association.
The account alleges: “Local members were told that CCHQ had received an anonymous complaint against his [Mr McIvor’s] prior conduct which requires investigating by the party.
Having refuted the allegations and refused to resign his candidacy Jaymey has had his membership of the Party immediately suspended.”
The account also stated that the HHCA has now chosen a replacement candidate, going with long-time local councillor Andrew Williams, who was also former leader of the last Conservative administration of Dacorum Borough Council.
Photo Credit: Jaymey McIvor on X
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