A LEADING Pendle Tory has hit out at plans which could see the borough's next general election candidate chosen because of their background.

Coun Tonia Barton, chairman of the Pendle Conservative Association, said the party should choose the best person to stand as the next prospective MP.

Coun Barton, member for Reedley ward, was responding to growing dissatisfaction in the party about leader David Cameron's plans to use an elite A-list of people picked by a special selection panel.

Mr Cameron is looking into the proposal in an attempt for the Tories to field more women and ethnic minority candidates.

She said: "David Cameron's idea is the Conservative Party does not have enough women MPs or people from ethnic backgrounds.

"Pendle chose a woman last time, we did not choose her because she was a woman, we chose her because she was the best person for the job.

"I am not against the process, I don't see the need for positive discrimination."