Petition calls for MP to be given right to defend seat

Ms McIntosh was told earlier this year she would not be automatically reselected to contest the seat at the next election.

That decision has now come under fire from supporters who want the Thirsk and Malton Conservative Association to guarantee she will be their candidate in 2015.

The petition was organised by Eric Weightman, a retired farmer from Sherrif Hutton.

He said: “When I spoke to farmers in the market they were quite shocked because they were quite satisified with her.

“Usually the only time you see the MP is when they want you to vote for them but she goes to Thirsk market and Malton market and meets everyone and chats with them. That’s something we have never had before.”

The petition was handed in to the association and a copy presented to 10 Downing Street.

Mr Weightman added: “I am sure this will make them think again about it.

“If they don’t nominate her I think they will lose a lot of votes in Thirsk and Malton.”

Ms McIntosh, chairman of the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Select Committee, secured the Thirsk and Malton seat for the Conservatives at the last election with a majority of more than 11,000.

She was contesting the seat for the first time following boundary changes.

Ms McIntosh had previously held the Vale of York seat since 1997. She was unavailable for comment last night.