The Guardian profiles the Conservative seat of Kensington and Chelsea and the contest to succeed Michael Portillo as the official Tory candidate.

Among the favourites are thought to be Nick Hurd, the son of former foreign secretary Douglas Hurd, barrister David Platt and venture capitalist Peter Wilson.

Also though to be in the running for the prestigious "true blue" fiefdom are former minister Philip Oppenheim, Portillo biographer Michael Gove and ex-Labour member Ivan Massow.