IT’S a traditional Tory heartland – a fail-safe seat coveted by would-be politicians everywhere. Or at least it should be.

But while on paper Bournemouth West is a Conservative Party dream, in practice, it’s fast becoming something of a nightmare.

Four leading councillors, including the leader of the council and the chair of the Bournemouth West Conservative Association, are currently under investigation.

Many of the party’s leading players are said to be at loggerheads with each other and there is speculation leader Cllr Stephen MacLoughlin could face a second vote of no confidence next week.

And these are just the current problems. Tory supporters are also worried that the last two decades have seen a persistent decline in the Conservative vote.

In 1992, when former MP Sir John Butterfill was first elected, he polled a staggering 29,820 votes. By 2005, his total had dwindled to 14,057. Still a safe seat – but not quite as safe as it used to be.

Sir John’s retirement was also marred by the expenses scandal, in which he was criticised for claiming for his staff quarters, and his involvement in a lobbying row.

His diminished reputation was dealt a further blow when his successor, Conor Burns, criticised his behaviour during the election campaign.

Further evidence of tension within Bournemouth West was highlighted by the tortuous manner in which Sir John’s successor was chosen.

Initially, two candidates – Mike Greene and Rebecca Harris – were chosen to stand in an open primary at which members of the public could attend and vote for their preferred candidate.

This in itself was controversial as the more high-profile, local candidates Cllr Stephen MacLoughlin and Cllr John Beesley failed to make the final cut.

Many activists were said to be unhappy they had been overlooked for less local candidates and the selection process was blighted by some extremely negative campaigning.

Rebecca Harris then caused more problems by pulling out of the contest at the last minute after being adopted as a candidate elsewhere.

Caroline Dinenage was named as her replacement but there were concerns her late entry put her at a disadvantage.

The much-trumpeted open primary was eventually ditched and Mr Burns was selected in the conventional way.

It was hoped Mr Burns’ success in the general election would signal a turning point for Bournemouth West.

But the subsequent investigations into four councillors suggest that is not the case.

There are now rumours Conservative Campaign Headquarters could take the drastic step of taking over the running of the beleaguered association.

One Tory insider told the Echo that Bournemouth West had to be sorted out fast.

“There’s a huge job to be done because of the challenges that are coming with the cuts and this is a huge distraction.

“People on the outside are quite obviously asking what the hell is going on and there is a concern this could discourage good candidates from coming forward in the future.”