The Conservative Party chairman, Richard Holden, found himself in a contentious exchange with Sky News’s chief political Correspondent Jon Craig in Westminster. The questions centered around Holden's sudden selection as an electoral candidate for the Basildon and Billericay constituency, with accusations of a political "stitch-up" being brought to light by the reporter. Holden's responses included attempts to shift the focus onto the Labour Party and previous statements made by their members.

As the interview progressed, Holden’s deflections and failure to address the core concerns raised by the journalist led to a visible escalation in tension. The Tory press officer, off-camera, interjected with complaints about the questioning, indicating displeasure with the direction of the interview. The clash culminated in the advisor's intervention, expressing frustration that the questions being asked were not previously agreed upon and deciding to end the interview abruptly, leaving both parties at odds.

In response to the incident, a Labour source condemned the Conservative Party's handling of scrutiny, citing a pattern of evasion and chaos in the face of tough questions. The source criticized the Conservatives for their perceived lack of transparency and perceived attempts to avoid accountability, reflecting a broader narrative of political infighting and reluctance to engage in open dialogue with the media.