Candidates show their primary colours as the race hots up in Gosport
The Tory candidates hoping to become Gosport's MP have been throwing their weight behind their bids.
The four hopefuls have put in hundreds of hours meeting residents and campaigning across the constituency in General Election-style - even though this is purely a race to represent the Conservatives at the next poll.
The unusual campaign, similar to an American primary in which voters get the chance to pick a particular party's candidate, has involved everything from blogging and emailing newsletters, to meeting people for open surgeries in pubs and standing by the roadside with placards.
Two of the candidates - James Bethell and Sam Gyimah - have both moved to the area since it was announced they were in the final four.
They've been staying in local hotels and spending almost every day out on the streets.
But because Caroline Dinenage and Julia Manning both have work commitments, they've only been able to spend their weekends in the borough although they have been hitting the streets whenever they get the chance in the week.
All candidates are conscious of the effect of sitting MP Peter Viggers' expenses claims, which sparked nationwide criticism.
Mrs Manning said she hopes the dedicated campaign by the candidates will bring disillusioned members of the public back to politics.
'It has been tiring, but it's definitely been worthwhile,' she said.
'I hope it's been a healing process for Gosport in terms of being able to be included in the democratic process of choosing the next candidate.'
Ms Dinenage added: 'I've not been able to move down for three weeks, but I've been getting into Gosport as often as I can.'
Mr Gyimah has had the most unusual tactics of the four and has spent almost three hours every morning standing at the side of the A32 with a range if placards.
Even on recent rainy mornings he's been rooted to the spot with an array of signs, including yesterday's, which said 'don't duck the issue'.
'I've tried not to use an umbrella, because I want to show the people of Gosport that I'm willing to go through what they are going through every day,' he said.
Mr Bethell, who has handed out thousands of flyers at the Gosport ferry terminal and has held surgeries in a pub, said: 'I've put in a lot of hours and some very early starts.'
James Bethell
James Bethell has focused his campaign around speaking to commuters using the Gosport ferry.
He has been at the pontoon almost every morning from 6.30am-7pm. He has also held open surgeries in a pub where he's talked to and been questioned by the public.
His campaign has also included leafleting door-to-door, on the A32 and at the market.
Caroline Dinenage
Caroline Dinenage has been delivering leaflets and talking to shopkeepers and residents over the last few weeks.
She's been at Gosport market and the Gosport half-marathon handing out leaflets and talking to people too.
Ms Dinenage has been meeting county and borough councillors and has used Facebook and Twitter to interact with people.
Sam Gyimah
Sam Gyimah has become a common sight for commuters making their way out of Gosport on the A32.
He's been at the congested road every morning over recent days with various placards.
He has also been leafleting and chatting to people at Gosport market and has also given a talk on getting young people into politics at the Fairport Training Centre.
Julia Manning
Julia Manning has been leafleting all over the borough and has spent time meeting people at the High Street market.
She's visited people at the Conservative club and community meetings.
She's used the internet a lot and has been blogging and answering questions over email. She's also been to local schools and met with business reps.
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Friday 25 May 2012
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