🟠 HAMPSTEAD & HIGHGATE: I understand that Scott Emery - Lib Dem candidate in 2024 - has not applied this time, nor Sarah Hoyle. I'm told, however, that there have been a lot of applications which will now be whittled down to a shortlist, which will them be presented to members.

Two prominent SNP MPs - Stephen Gethins and Stephen Flynn - are likely to resign their Westminster seats to stand for Holyrood instead, thereby prompting two by-elections next year. Others may do the same.

Conservatives are advertising on LinkedIn for a new head of candidates.

This Tortoise/Observer legal challenge as to how exactly the Conservatives picked Liz Truss has leader could also have implications for all parties as to how they choose parliamentary candidates.

🟠 CAMBRIDGE: the other two Lib Dem contenders on the 3-strong shortlist are Blaise Baquiche and Reetendra Banerji who - strangely - are also contenders for the current Lib Dem selection in Hampstead & Highgate.

🟠 HAMPSTEAD & HIGHGATE: Richmond councillor Katie Mansfield picked as Lib Dem candidate for Ham & High at next general election.

🟠 HAMPSTEAD & HIGHGATE: as I understand it, Mansfield is officially the candidate for the next general election only. If there's a by-election - quite likely given Tulip Sidiq's problems - then Lib Dem HQ reserve the right to select a different candidate for the by-election.

🟠 HAMPSTEAD & HIGHGATE: I'm told that Patrick Stillman came a close second. Can anyone DM me details please on the voting figures, and the order in which the candidates came?

🟠HANPSTEAD & HIGHGATE: according to one source the main votes in the Lib Dem selection were: Katie Mansfield. 69 Patrick Stillman. 56 The other two contenders got much lower votes.

John Curtice, Brian Taylor and I are looking forward doing a show in conversation with Iain Dale at the Edinburgh Fringe on 5 August. It should be highly informative and great fun. Tickets are available here: pleasance.co.uk/search?query=i…