Tories hit back in selection row

The electorate will not be able to vote for Stephen Parnaby

The Conservative Party has defended the way it draws up shortlists of would-be parliamentary candidates, after criticism from a Tory council leader.

Stephen Parnaby, the Tory leader of East Riding council, criticised the party after failing to make the shortlist of candidates to replace current Beverley and Holderness MP, James Cran, who is stepping down.

Councillor Parnaby fears a candidate from outside the constituency could be brought in to contest the seat, which had a majority of less than 1,000 at the last election.

But a spokesman for Conservative Central Office told BBC News Online the party "actively encouraged" applications from local people and dismissed allegations the selection process was unfair.

I am not a journeyman MP wanting to be part of the Westminster club - I wanted a chance to make a difference locally. Stephen Parnaby

He said: "They must go through a fair and rigorous assessment procedure which is individually overseen and only assesses a candidate's potential to be a member of parliament.

"You cannot apply or continue with the selection process for a constituency unless you have passed the assessment board.

"We actively encourage local people to come forward and apply for a seat, but they too must apply to the assessment board.

"This ensures those selected have the necessary skills and aptitude to represent their constituents as effectively as possible."

Local interest

However, Councillor Parnaby - who was approved as a candidate for the East Yorkshire constituency three years ago - says it is not his skills that are lacking.

He said: "The whole system is a sham. I have no complaints at the way the local party has acted, but clearly my face does not fit nationally.

"Perhaps I need a double-barrelled name and to come from good stock.

"I am not a journeyman MP wanting to be part of the Westminster club - I wanted a chance to make a difference locally."

The Conservative spokesmen said the party could not comment on individual cases.