HAMPSHIRE Tories have snubbed party leaders to select the candidate to fight the new Meon Valley constituency.

They have chosen George Hollingbery despite him being the only one of the four shortlisted hopefuls not to be on the A-list drawn up by Conservative Central Office.

Mr Hollingbery's victory was confirmed by the party's local executive committee at Hambledon village hall on Saturday.

The other candidates, revealed by the Daily Echo on Friday, were former Winchester city councillor Flick Drummond, Rebecca Harris and Kwasi Kwarteng.

Caroline Dinenage, daughter of TV anchorman Fred, was knocked out along with three others at a meeting of some 200 party members on Friday. The other three were Steve Brine, a local PR businessman, Vicky Ford and Amber Rudd.

The new constituency is made up of a large chunk of Winchester, East Hampshire and a small part of Havant. It is considered highly winnable for the Conservatives being overwhelmingly rural in character.

Mr Hollingbery, who fought Winchester at the last General Election, said: "I'm delighted, it's a great honour to be chosen.

"I think (my victory) was mostly due to the fact I fought a good chunk of the seat last time and, being local, a lot of people knew me."

The new constituency chairman Ian Young denied the local party had snubbed Conservative Central Office. "People chose on merit. George has experience in the area and knows local matters well.

"The other three candidates were on the A-list. We have seen democracy at work. The members have chosen the candidate they feel will win the seat. George has a tremendous record of local service.

"Central Office have always allowed local candidates to be considered along with A-list candidates."