TWO leading members of the Macclesfield Conservative Association have resigned in protest about the selection process for a would-be Tory MP.

Behind-the-scenes turmoil led to an executive meeting on Monday night – where a debate took place as to whether Saturday’s big election should go ahead at all. The emergency meeting culminated in the double walkout of deputy chairman, Councillor Darryl Beckford, and treasurer Andy Lea, one of the candidate selection committee.

Last night, Coun Beckford, who applied to be a candidate but was turned down by central office, said: "I have resigned because I feel disappointed with the way things have gone."

Treasurer Mr Lea added: " The association voted to continue the candidate selection despite there being, in my view, excessive pressure from central office and unfair and irregular practices to exclude local people from the process.

"The deputy chairman also resigned last night as he felt unable to continue given the circumstances, and I don’t blame him.

"I am hugely disappointed by the way central office has behaved, with little regard for the local membership or the people of Macclesfield."

"Sir Nicholas has spoken in the past about Cameron’s mafia, and I have now seen it myself first hand.

"I can understand why ordinary people feel disenfranchised from the political process and don’t trust politicians.

"Having been part of a process that I know was fundamentally wrong and unfair I feel I have no choice but to speak out."

A discussion and vote had been requested by Mr Lea, who had been one of the six people who had travelled to London to choose the candidates. He feels candidates were unfairly treated in the selection process – and that London members were given unfair advantage.

"I feel we have let down the people of Macclesfield who expected to be able to vote for the very best candidates.

"We need an MP who answers to Maxonians and is not scared of the bullies in London. Other associations have been brave enough to stand up to them, and we should have been too."

Macclesfield Conservative Association chairman David Freear said: "We had a discussion on Monday night and all views were heard.

"There was an overwhelming desire to go ahead with the election.

"The resignation of Councillor Beckrod and Mr Lea are a great pity and sad loss to the group."

Sue Gillett, North West regional director of Conservative Party, said the election process has been in-line with party guidelines.

She added: Unfortunately two members did not agree with this process. "I hope that they decide to be involved with us again in the future."

She said there had been no risk of Saturday’s primary being cancelled.

A spokesman for the Conservative party said: "Macclesfield chose to have a primary, which is an open and democratic process and it is up to the people of Macclesfield to decide."

He declined to comment on the double resignation.