Sky-diver a Tory favourite

A SKY-DIVING former army officer is likely to become the successor to North East Cambridgeshire MP, Malcolm Moss. Stephen Barclay, a director of the bank that bares his name although they are not related, won the Conservative Association s hotly-fought co

A SKY-DIVING former army officer is likely to become the successor to North East Cambridgeshire MP, Malcolm Moss.

Stephen Barclay, a director of the bank that bares his name although they are not related, won the Conservative Association's hotly-fought contest to succeed Mr Moss.

In a nail-biting finale, the final six Tory hopefuls battled it out during a marathon six-hour process.

The six who had made it through to the final were picked from many dozens who had expressed an interest in the seat after Mr Moss announced his decision to step down at the next election.

Mr Moss' majority of almost 9,000 at the 2005 general election means the seat is regarded as one of the Tories' safest in the eastern counties.

In an unusual move, the party had opted for an open primary selection, allowing both party and non-party members to take part and then to vote for their preferred choice.

As voting began it soon became apparent that 35-year-old Mr Barclay, who was special adviser to the Conservative Party chairman at the last general election and includes playing jazz on the piano among his interests, was rapidly emerging as hot favourite.