Tory 'affair' candidate decision

Elizabeth Truss had an affair with an MP four years ago

A Conservative association in Norfolk is to meet next week to decide if a newly elected candidate for the next general election should be deselected.

Chairman of South West Norfolk Conservative Association David Hills is backing Elizabeth Truss, criticised for not revealing her affair with an MP.

Mr Hills said: "Elizabeth Truss must not be blamed for any discrepancy about information she declared."

A meeting to discuss her future will be held on 16 November.

Ms Truss had an affair with an MP four years ago, but some members of the Norfolk association claim she failed to tell them when she was first considered as a candidate.

'Whipped-up'

Mr Hills blamed the media for the furore.

He said: "The matter has been whipped-up by the media and there has been a lot of inaccurate reporting.

"I stress that we in South West Norfolk have no problem at all with women candidates - our members selected Elizabeth Truss on merit from a mixed short list.

"Elizabeth Truss won over 50% of the vote on the first ballot of the selection meeting.

"I, like our MP, agent and officers, support her in continuing as our prospective parliamentary candidate.

"A process has been undertaken in my absence which has to run its course.

"The executive voted to hold another special general meeting on 16 November so members can consider the way forward.

"I will be working with my team to build a consensus around Elizabeth so we can move forward positively at that meeting."