Dropped Tory MP Duguid: I would have won my seat from hospital

Mr Duguid is clear that he doesn’t think the party was right to drop him. And he says there hasn’t been any contact from party officials since his candidacy was blocked (although individual politicians have been to visit him).

With all that in mind, it is surprising how philosophical he is about the whole saga. He chooses not to criticise the party too harshly.

Towards the end of our hour-long interview I point out that other people in his situation might have felt much more aggrieved.

He explains that in his previous business career he went on a sales training course that taught him never to get “bitter and twisted” about things you can’t control, and to focus on the positives.

His health scare has given him a new lease of life, and now he’s “just glad to be getting better”.

He’s grateful for the support of his wife and the NHS staff who have been aiding his recovery – and stresses that rehabilitation remains his key focus.

A return to the world of politics or business could be on the cards at some point, but the former MP is even willing to float the idea of a more unusual career change.

He says that watching the ongoing Paralympics from his own wheelchair has been inspiring, and though he’s past the stage of being an athlete, he might take up archery.

I ask if we’ll see him at the Paralympics one day. He replies: “I’m not going to count anything out.”