Conservative shadow home secretary James Philp says prospective Conservative MPs will have to support a “fundamental” case for Britain to leave the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR) to be allowed to stand as candidates at the next election. He warned that the party would not allow candidates who back the ECHR, arguing that support for leaving the convention is a core requirement for selection.
Philp’s comments indicate the party is tightening candidate eligibility tied to its position on ECHR membership, despite the presence of high-profile party figures historically associated with more moderate views on the issue. He cited the example of former senior politician Ken Clarke, saying even leading party figures would be excluded if they supported staying within the ECHR.
The remarks are presented as a signal of internal party discipline ahead of the next electoral contest, with selection criteria linked directly to the party’s policy stance on the ECHR. The sources provide no additional detail on how the rule would be applied in practice beyond the stated requirement for candidates to believe in Britain’s need to quit the convention.
