CONSERVATIVE MP for Bridgwater and West Somerset, Ian Liddell-Grainger, has received a vote of no confidence from within his own party – less than four months before the General Election.

West Somerset Council’s Conservatives group passed the motion, calling for Mr Liddell-Grainger to be deselected, at a meeting this month by “a clear majority”, according to council leader Tim Taylor.

A list of reasons given at the meeting included claims Mr Liddell-Grainger had made “gratuitously derogatory and offensive comments” about the council.

However, the Conservative Association of Bridgwater and West Somerset has reportedly given its backing to the MP.

Julie Nicholson, Chairman of the Bridgwater and West Somerset Conservative Association, said:

“Ian Liddell-Grainger is the Conservative Party candidate for the Bridgwater and West Somerset constituency, and I have every confidence in him.”

Mr Liddell-Grainger has refused comment.