Tory faithful bid to oust Barker as MP

This comes after news that he separated from wife Celeste, and also had an affair with a male interior designer.

The Observer understands that a small group of Tories has turned against Mr Barker.

Some, we believe, include people who were supporters of Charles Wardle when he was ousted as Bexhill and Battle MP.

At that time, some of these people queried whether Greg Barker was a suitable replacement. His business interests were in question.

Roger Kent, chair of Ninfield Parish Council and member of the local Conservative Association, said this week: "The majority of the party members, and also lifelong Conservative Party voters I have spoken to, are extremely unhappy with our MP.

"Many say they will never vote for him again, and there is a strong possibility that the party will lose support in the local council elections next May.

"Greg, do the honourable thing and resign."

Another letter writer in today's Observer, Conservative Elizabeth Lorton, said: "I feel very let down by our MP. He should do the honourable thing and resign."

Last week the Observer published a letter from Tory Angela Sheppard, of Hazel Grove.

She said that, contrary to what was reported, she stood up a recent party meeting and spoke her mind.

She wrote: "All reports that I have read seem to give the impression that all loyal Conservative supporters are behind Greg Barker and that no-one has expressed any opposition. This is not true."

Mr Barker refused to be drawn into the controversy this week.

He said: "We have come through a difficult time, and I am very sorry certain individuals feel this way.

"But in the majority of cases, most people have been remarkably kind, slow to judge and quick to offer support.

"I am confident most people believe my private life is not of their concern, and want me to get on with my job as a hard-working MP."

The story hit the Daily Mail on Monday, and has been interpreted as an example of how grassroot Tories are less than happy with the party's new liberal attitudes.

A month after the story made national news, the Bexhill and Battle Constituency party has yet to declare any stance.

Asked this week if any party member had called for a formal meeting to discuss Mr Barker's future, constituency party chairman Cllr Brian Kentfield told the Observer: "Not that I am aware of."

It is open to constituency party members to call for a formal meeting or to propose de-selection by the party.

It is the constituency party's normal practice to re-select its sitting MP at the beginning of the year in which a General Election is due to take place. This might not be until 2009.

In the case of a snap election, the party would hold an emergency meeting to confirm its sitting MP or to select a potential successor.