London - The former British Defence Secretary, Mr Michael Portillo, was last night selected for the final shortlist for the safe Conservative seat of Kensington and Chelsea.
Mr Portillo was on a four-strong list which will go to a ballot of all constituency members on November 2nd. The other three were a former MP, Mr Derek Conway, a Basildon councillor Mr Mark Francois and a local councillor, Mr Warwick Lightfoot.
Announcing the result as gay rights demonstrators chanted around him, the chairman of the Conservative Association, Mr Nick Paget-Brown stressed that the final decision would be up to ordinary party members and completely democratic. He said: "This is in stark contrast to the Labour Party's contortions over the London mayor." Mr Portillo left the meeting by a back entrance.
Earlier The gay rights campaigner, Mr Peter Tatchell, threatened to stand against Mr Portillo if he was selected. Mr Portillo was jostled and shouted at by gay rights campaigners as he entered the meeting.