Ousted Tory Anne McIntosh ‘victim of ungentlemanly conduct’

Speaking this lunchtime, Miss McIntosh said an investigation has been launched “at the highest level” of the Conservative Party following what she called a “surprise” result last Friday, when the 560 members of Thirsk and Malton Conservative Association voted to de-select her as the Tory candidate for next year’s general election.

The Yorkshire Post revealed last week how a previous internal inquiry into Thirsk and Malton by Conservative Party head office was highly critical of the local Tory association for co-opting significant numbers of new members to to its decision-making executive, shortly before the crunch decision on whether to readopt Miss McIntosh.

In the aftermath of last week’s ballot, Miss McIntoish immediately said she intends to stand again for Thirsk and Malton next year - meaning she will either put herself forward to be the party’s new candidate when it begins the recruitment process, or will stand against the winner as an independent candidate.

She made clear today that for the timebeing she remains on the party’s national candidates list for 2015, and said she is “keeping an open mind” about her next move.

Speaking publicly for the first time since last Friday’s shock result, she said: “I am obviously disappointed at the outcome of the ballot, which does seem to be the result of some ungentlemanly behaviour which has brought great discredit to the Conservative Party.

“I’m delighted this is now going to be looked into... by the highest ranks of the Conservative Party.”