Conservative MP Dominic Grieve is facing a deselection battle over his anti-Brexit views after local activists in his Beaconsfield constituency told him to apply for readoption as their parliamentary candidate.
The decision was made at a special general meeting of the local Conservative Association on Friday evening, at which the former attorney general made what was described as an “impassioned” speech defending his stance on EU withdrawal.
Mr Grieve has been a key figure in ensuring parliamentary scrutiny of Theresa May’s EU withdrawal agreement, tabling a series of amendments designed to ensure that the prime minister’s plans were subjected to meaningful votes in the House of Commons.
He backs a Final Say referendum on any Brexit deal and has indicated he could quit the Tories if Boris Johnson becomes leader.
Mr Grieve lost a no-confidence vote in his Buckinghamshire constituency by 182 votes to 131 in March, saying at the time that he appeared to be the victim of “an orchestrated and organised campaign” by Brexiteers.
In a statement posted on Twitter, the chairman of the Beaconsfield Constituency Conservative Association, Jackson Ng, said: “I understand that there are feelings of disappointment, anger and frustration from many of our membership.
“Therefore, following this evening’s special general meeting and on behalf of our executive council, I have immediately written to our MP Dominic Grieve QC to formally request that he now submits a written application to us to seek his re-adoption as our parliamentary candidate for the next general election expected in 2022.”
Local Tory member Dylan Kenny said in a tweet: “It was heartening that everyone spoke respectfully and with dignity. Dominic made an impassioned and highly intelligent speech. I am glad there was no animosity and the association should be proud of the conduct of this evening’s discourse.”
Mr Grieve’s application for reselection as candidate would be subject to a secret ballot of the local association’s executive council. If he loses the vote, he can request a ballot of members in the constituency or put himself up against other candidates seeking to fight the seat.