SHE is the formidable Hampshire politician who has served her community for almost 30 years.

Edith Randall, believed to be in her late 70s, has represented Totton with drive and vigour and colleagues and opponents alike are united in their praise of her efforts.

However, New Forest Con-servatives have dumped the pensioner in favour of a younger model.

Local party bosses instead picked Ronnie Belfitt, 41, who once worked for former Tory leader Iain Duncan Smith, to fight the newly-created seat of Totton South and Marchwood in next year's county council elections.

Councillor Randall, Hamp-shire's third longest-serving councillor, says she is the victim of ageism. She currently represents the marginal seat of Totton South, which is being enlarged to include Marchwood.

Cllr Randall said: "The association has decided that it doesn't wish me to stand, which has left me feeling very shocked and let down.

"I think ageism probably came into it, although they didn't give me a reason. They just said Ronnie Belfitt was the better candidate."

Asked if she felt betrayed by her fellow Conservatives, she replied: "One could say that."

Cllr Randall, who refuses to reveal her age, said: "I walk with a stick following a hip operation but apart from that I'm fit.

"My age doesn't prevent me attending a great many meetings - and I do a lot more than some of the younger county councillors."

Derek Tipp, chairman of New Forest East Conservative Association, said: "Ronnie was a high quality applicant for the seat and the selection panel preferred her to Cllr Randall.

"It's a new seat and we need someone who can fight a long, hard campaign - something that would be more difficult for Edith."

Cllr Belfitt, a member of Totton and Eling Town Council, said she did not know whether Cllr Randall's age had influenced members of the selection panel.

She said: "Edith has been in politics for a long time and has done good things for the area. I hope to live up to the example she has set."