The majority of Castle Point Tories are being denied the right to vote on their next would-be MP because they have not paid enough membership fees, it has been claimed.
Supporters of MP Bob Spink, who failed to be automatically reselected for the seat, claimed "dark forces" were at work because three quarters of the Conservative association is being excluded from the ballot.
The voting papers were only sent to 900 of the 3,200 association members and simply asked the voter "yes" or "no" whether Mr Spink should stand at the next general election.
Only a quarter of members have been sent ballot papers because association rules state only full £15-a-year members can vote - those who pay the £10 foundation membership or £5 club membership have been denied votes.
Published Monday, August 4, 2003
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