Widdecombe Slams Tory Selection Method

Veteran Tory MP Ann Widdecombe has blasted her party's move to select candidates on what she described as "category rather than ability".

She said David Cameron's decision to create an 'A List' encompassing more ethnic minorities and women was "completely misguided".

However, Miss Widdecombe reaffirmed her support for the Tory leader, insisting he is "fantastic".

Conservative officials have said the 'A List' is "positive action" to attract more unrepresented individuals to Westminster.

Mr Cameron has already hinted that a future Tory government would give a third of its ministerial positions to women.

Miss Widdecombe, who will resign from Parliament at the next general election, said: "We have gone for category rather than ability. We're looking for more women.

"I'm all for more women. I'm all for more members of the ethnic communities. I'm all for more anythings as long as they get there on merit.

"I believe, as a woman, that every woman in Parliament should be able to look every man from the prime minister downwards in the eye and to think she got there on exactly the same basis that he got there.

"And if she can't she's a second-class citizen. We're going to have a Conservative Party full of second-class citizens."

A Conservative Party spokesman said: "Under David Cameron, the Conservative Party has broadened the base of Conservative candidates, attracting highly talented people from a diverse range of backgrounds.

"We have also led the way in introducing open, democratic and transparent selection processes, including holding the UK's first open postal primary."

(PR/KMcA)