reports in the press indicated that the local conservative association was reported to be in 'some disarray' at the start of the byelection campaign; an experienced agent was sent up from london to run the campaign. the party received 250 applications to stand as candidate, among whom were said to be lady olga maitland; the conservatives denied rumours that jeffrey archer was hoping to stand. on 2 february the conservatives selected charles prior, a 43-year-old chartered accountant from newbury who was a former member of berkshire county council and a member of the bow group. prior, managing director of a publishing and training company, was the nephew of former northern ireland secretary james prior, and beat former mp richard ottaway in the final selection.