Strood North reshuffle?

This blog is going to put a punt out with the general public.

Leaks are emanating from mutterings in the press that Councillor Chitty may be set to return to the ballot paper as a candidate for Strood and that there may currently be an attempt to ensure this happens.

This is tacitly confirmed by statements made to the press by Councillor Chitty that have effectively mooted that she is looking to stand for election.

Any such move would not therefore be a surprise.

The problem is, the local Association has already selected three candidates for Strood North; Jane Etheridge, Paul Rai and Les Wicks. Two of these are current Councillors, a third a tenacious campaigner who gets out and works hard.

So what game is afoot?

Certainly this blog is willing to put its finger out, and make a sportsman punt with the public. That there may be a reshuffle.

Strood North is a marginal seat and on current national polls will be a very close fight.

It is therefore odd that there has been no electoral communication with the public.

Councillor Chitty, for better-or-worse, has a reputation in the area. Having been a cabinet member, portfolio holder and mayor - she is known. Not one to beat around the bush, she has effectively muscled into her patch with her remarks to the press.

The Tories may be trying to stitch up Strood North to ensure a return.

The clue may be a discrete reshuffle and some faux excuse to the press. This is the usual mechanism in other areas of the Country when a reshuffle has occurred.

Usually it is related to someone stepping down with very little notice which has forced an emergency selection.

We will find out soon enough. Wonder who is going to get the push?