Originally published at Guido Fawkes

The National Conservative Convention, the power hub of the Tory grassroots, has kicked off the first contested election in years, with voting opening today. Though whispers of a potential CCHQ stitch-up are swirling around Westminster…

Local Chairmen across the country have said they feel that Julian Ellacott, the current Vice President, has been pressuring them to vote for him as Chairman. Meanwhile, CCHQ’s refusal to allow hustings, despite requests, has only fuelled anger…

Chairman of the Tory Daventry Constituency Association, Daniel Lister, tells Guido:

“Once again, members are left feeling that a preferred candidate is being imposed, with no hustings and one candidate enjoying exclusive access to members’ data. We must begin decentralising power within the party immediately. Central control has failed us yet again, and until the party machinery is overhauled, we are doomed to repeat these failures.”

Troubled times in the Tory voluntary party…