Rumours of tory rift in Swansea

We’re getting repeated heavy hints that all is not well between local tory Rene Kinzett and the Swansea West party ‘machine’. Unsympathetic sources claim that association heavyweights are annoyed he is not putting in the necessary hours expected of a serious parliamentary contender this close to an election.

Rockin’ Rene, who holds down a weekday public sector PR job in London, was reportedly absent during a visit by some tory knob to the city yesterday – although there is no evidence that he was actually invited. Unsurprisingly, his political opponents are keen to point out that both scenarios demonstrate Kinzett’s diminishing role within a party that has pretty much abandoned any hope of capturing the marginal Labour seat and is now concentrating its efforts on Gower.

In energetic contrast, his Lib Dem nemesis and former colleague, Peter May, has been seen glad-handing at a succession of community events whilst getting his mug into the press. There have even been sporadic reported sightings of the Croydon Phantom abroad in the constituency. This activity, it is claimed by detractors, has resulted in disgruntled tory activists demanding a meeting with the candidate.

Kinzett’s other role as part-time leader of a 4-strong tory group on Swansea Council is also causing friction, according to an elderly colleague who is currently seeking a free transfer back to the ruling coalition. The accusation levelled against the Mayals councillor is that he has paid scant lip service to a job which he regards as little more than a useful parliamentary stepping stone.

Similarly embittered sources have also volunteered that party bosses fear Kinzett’s more forthright Twitter comments are a political embarrassment waiting to happen. This at least has a ring of truth about it. Any unintentional but serious slip-up on his part would be manna for other parties and guaranteed to get media coverage given his self-made profile. A consequent poor tory showing in the polls which somehow saw Labour clinging on to Swansea West would be considered unforgivable by local party workers and Central Office. It would almost definitely deny Kinzett a future stab at a safer seat closer to the London smoke.

But despite the premature Schadenfreude, Kinzett remains one of the few interesting politicians on the Swansea scene - and it is that uncomfortable thought which is probably behind all these tales of discord. Whatever truth behind the rumours, he should regard it as a compliment that his opponents see him as enough of threat to be so actively passing them on.