Ousted Cormack supported by MPs

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A group of 80 Conservative MPs have signed a letter giving their support for ousted MP Sir Patrick Cormack.

The veteran MP for South Staffordshire failed to be readopted as the candidate for the seat last month, but the vote has been declared null and void.

Officials from the local Conservative association are due to meet next week to decide what action to take.

The open letter to the president of the constituency party describes the loss of the MP as an "irreparable blow".

Sir Patrick was facing deselection after losing the readoption ballot by one vote last month. He has been an MP for the area since 1970.

I hope to get this matter resolved in the near future and get on with business as normal Sir Patrick Cormack

But a party investigation showed that more votes had been cast than the number of people who were at the meeting.

Party chairman Francis Maude wrote to the local association to say the vote would have to be declared invalid.

The open letter to Wilhelm Rose, president of the constituency party, said: "We are united in regarding Patrick Cormack as an outstanding Parliamentarian whose loss would be an irreparable blow to our team in the Commons."

It lists nine reasons for their support including what it said was Sir Patrick's fearlessness in standing up for his principles, and being one of the Commons' best orators.

Sir Patrick said he had had no involvement in the letter.

"I'm very touched that so many of my colleagues felt so moved to write in this way, I'm very grateful to them," he said.

"I hope to get this matter resolved in the near future and get on with business as normal."