WORCESTER MP Robin Walker has been confirmed as the Tories’ parliamentary candidate for the 2015 general election, causing much rejoicing in Conservative circles.

He’s managed to achieve the rare feat of being liked by pretty much his entire constituency party – not a bad effort when you consider how common it is for parliamentarians to gain enemies from within their own grassroots branch.

Worcester Conservative Association had no problems giving him a clear passage, with the arrangement now signed, sealed and delivered.

It will also come as a relief to Councillor Joy Squires, Labour’s parliamentary candidate for 2015, who had been asking for clarification over who her opponent would be.

Last year, when Mid-Worcestershire MP Peter Luff declared he would step down at the next general election, within 24 hours of his announcement Coun Squires issued a press statement urging Mr Walker to make his intentions clear.

After all, with Mr Luff’s seat having a whopping Tory majority of 15,864 it’s a job-for-life for any Conservative and a surefire road to a lengthy Commons career, unless you happen to be related to Osama Bin Laden or have more sleazy secrets than Mark Oaten or Derek Conway.

Compare Mr Luff’s enviable security to the Worcester seat, where his old pal is sitting on a tiny 2,982 majority, and you can see why an MP would be tempted to hop the short distance over the boundary.

Mr Walker did insist last year that he had no intentions of leaving the Worcester battlefield and he’s been true to his word.

Not long after the association’s backing, Mr Walker was on the phone to The Source taking a pop at Coun Squires’ party, saying “unlike Labour MPs” he doesn’t have to “wait for the unions” before things are sorted.

But with a majority so tight, one wonders whether the cruellest twist to all this would be if Worcester decides to leave him.

Even a small swing of about three per cent would be enough to change his life forever.

It’s ironic that Mr Luff used to be Worcester’s MP, but in 1997 made the switch to Mid-Worcestershire, and has commanded huge majorities since.

His younger colleague has decided against following suit, fully in the expectation that he faces a massive battle to remain an MP at all in less than two years’ time.

It’s an example of bravery, loyalty, stupidity and risk all rolled into one.

It’s also fascinating to watch.