…….one of these 24 “winnable” parliamentary seats.

Simon Jupp has already opted for the Honiton/Sidmouth carve up of his old constituency. No one yet has described his move as a “chicken run” because it might turn out to be a bit of a turkey.

So now the Tories are offering up Exeter East & Exmouth as a definite “winnable” (though Simon doesn’t seem to have been convinced).

The East Devon Tory selection procedure in 2019 was one of the more secretive in the country with no openly published information on, for example, the shortlist of candidates from whom Simon Jupp emerged as the “chosen one”.

A photo, taken at the selection meeting in the Exmouth Community College (on a day that it was closed), was posted on the East Devon Conservative website.  The photo became newsworthy after John Humphreys’ conviction because it showed him as one of the main placard holders at the event.

A mole subsequently informed Owl that the shortlist comprised four individuals, two of whom were women, both “out of area”. The general belief at the time was that Simon was very much Hugo Swire’s choice.

Owl wonders if history will repeat itself.

Simon was very active recently helping Sophie Richards with her District Council campaign and Sophie has been busy networking recently with none other than Greg Hands, the party Chair.

As a new District Councillor it’s important to get your priorities sorted.

In 2019 Sophie unsuccessfully contested the Coventry North East constituency, a rather different kettle of fish from Exmouth.

She looks like a typical “career” politician to Owl.

Hopefuls have until 5pm on Monday 12 June to get their papers sorted.