Boris supporters accuse Tory chiefs of undermining London Mayor candidate in civil war

A new row has broken out in the Conservative Party after chairman Greg Hands launched a review into the “shambles” which got Susan Hall selected as the candidate to take on Sadiq Khan next May. The move has led to the Conservative Democratic Organisation (CDO), founde by supporters of Boris Johnson, to accuse party chiefs of attacking the membership again. The row is the latest act in an ongoing civil war in the Conservative Party which erupted as a result of the coups by MPs last year to remove Boris Johnson and Liz Truss to install Rishi Sunak without the support of ordinary members. Chairman of the CDO David Campbell Bannerman blasted: ‘Conservatives should all get behind Susan Hall and focus on removing Labour’s disastrous Mayor Khan. “As opposed to some MP selections, the London Mayoral contest did have the opportunity for members to vote – twice – on a number of candidates, and CDO found the process democratic. “Councillor Hall should not be undermined by unsuccessful candidates who had the opportunity to put their case to members at the time. A review should be done after the election not right at start of campaign.”