Ernie Clark. Hilperton Division, Wiltshire Council.

Just how do the Conservatives select their candidates?

WC Conservative councillor Philip Brown has been convicted at Swindon Crown Court of theft and fraud charges involving nearly £50,000.

No official announcement has yet been made but the council's website states 'Period of office 08/06/09 - 04/11/10. Not currently an elected councillor'. He will presumably resign. This will then cause a by-election in the Bromham Rowde and Potterne division.

In the 2009 election he won the seat for the Conservatives with 751 votes. UKIP was second with 322 with the Lib Dems third. The Green candidate gained 255 votes whilst Labour managed only 84 votes.

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