NO-HEADLINE

A Tory MP

has avoided possible deselection

by his local party by announcing last night that he will not seek reselection to fight the seat. Roy Thomason announced his decision just hours before his Bromsgrove constituency association was to vote on a recommendation from its executive that the selection process be opened to other candidates.

Mr Thomason announced his decision in a letter to the constituency chairman, Sally Cooper, saying that pressure on his family was a factor in his reluctant decision. He said he accepted responsibility for the problems that had arisen over his candidacy. He did not say whether he would continue as an MP until the election, or resign now, forcing a by-election on his party.