RURAL MP Nigel Evans has promised to turn Whalley vicar Chris Sterry into a Iain Duncan Smith fan following his election on a Tory ticket to Ribble Valley Council.

And he has also warned him about the harsh reality of life in the public eye after the vicar's "off-the-cuff" remark about the suitability of Iain Duncan Smith as Conservative Party leader.

The parish church vicar, who took one of two seats for Whalley, said during the election count that he did not think Iain Duncan Smith was charismatic enough to take the Conservative Party to General Election success.

But after his comments became a major talking point among local Tories, he said: "There is a difference between local and national politics. Local politics tends not to be partisan and, as far as national Tory policies go, I am still a novice.

"I said I didn't think Iain Duncan Smith was the right person to lead the Conservative Party, but in retrospect my view is a private one.

"I do think Michael Portillo is a charismatic politician and has the spark to take the Conservative Party to General Election victory, but I certainly don't intend making an issue of it!"

Ribble Valley MP Nigel Evans, a supporter of Mr Duncan Smith, said everyone was entitled to their opinion and pointed out that not everyone in the Labour Party liked Tony Blair.

"You are always going to get differences of opinion and Iain was elected leader by Conservative Party members, not politicians.

"The success of the Conservative Party in the elections shows that we are making progress, but we have still got a lot of work to do in convincing the public that Iain can lead the next government.

"I attended Chris Sterry's sermon on Sunday and feel sure he will be won in time and there will no doubt be plenty more lessons about life in the public eye!"

Council leader Chris Holtom added: "I am very much looking forward to working with Chris Sterry and can assure him he will find enough charisma in the council's Conservative group."