Posner's Politics: The question whose answer is in the papers

AS exclusively predicted by me last week, comment writer Paul Goodman became the second journalist within a day to be selected as a Conservative prospective parliamentary candidate for the next general election.

Mr Goodman, who works for the Daily Telegraph, was chosen to fight the Wycombe constituency just 24 hours after Spectator magazine editor Boris Johnson got his chance to take over the Heseltine empire in Henley.

The two choices reflect a popular trend. While seasoned politicians are beginning to dominate the comment pages of national newspapers, the journalists are looking more than ever to take seats on the green benches. But why are selection committees turning increasingly to the media? The answer is simple. The quality of people attracted into local government these days is not as good as it was. A member of Wycombe Conservative Association told me before Friday's vote that Mr Goodman was certain to win - nobody could hold a candle to him. The result proved him right.

The scandals and muck-raking that have dominated the public's perception of politics in recent years have discouraged the best people from going into what was once seen as the most noble calling. It's a shame, because many people believe local government is a better training ground than a newsroom for a future MP.

Whether Mr Goodman would make a better MP than, say, Tory county council leader Mark Greenburgh may remain hypothetical. Sir Ray Whitney had a majority of only about 2,000 in the last election. Mr Goodman will have a much harder time getting to Westminster than Mr Johnson, who inherits one of the safest Conservative seats in the country.

Incidentally, I understand that Wycombe Tory bosses are busy hunting the mole who leaked me the names of the final four hopefuls. I could never reveal my sources, but I promise more juicy news to come.

I've just taken over this column from Geoff Perfitt who, until recently, was on patrol at County Hall and Wycombe Council's chamber with political titbits and thoughts. Geoff now has a mostly behind scenes job on our sub-editors' desk.

He said: 'I'll miss the political cut and thrust and the good and bad debates I had to sit through. Best wishes to all councillors and officers I rubbed shoulders with.

'On the subs desk I'll be watching what you say as the political stories come before me. I've spent most of my 30 years in journalism 'on the road' as a reporter and I'll miss all that.'