'Positive action' call from Tory candidate

The Tory candidate who survived a sexual smear campaign and an attempt to deselect her yesterday called on the Conservatives to introduce "positive action" to get more women into Parliament.

Sue Catling, 45, a former actress and recent Cheshire Businesswoman of the Year, was selected to fight Calder Valley – one of the Tories' top-10 target seats – at the next election. But in a "campaign of sexism", unfounded rumours were circulated about Ms Catling's personal life, criticisms were made of her style and a petition was drawn up to prevent her representing the constituency.

Its failure came as a relief to Ms Catling. While determined to put the matter behind her, she called for action to stamp out sexism in the party. Ms Catling called on the party chairman, Theresa May, to introduce a "golden 100 list of candidates". Mrs May has been widely criticised for failing to ensure an increase in female candidates.

Under the scheme aimed at the 100 most winnable seats, a list of 50 men and 50 women would be compiled from which individual associations could pick a candidate.

Ms Catling said: "It's a hearts-and-minds issue. But it all comes down to the fact that we don't yet have sufficient capable women representing us in the House of Commons.

"No party in the world has managed to address this issue without some kind of positive action. I feel if we wait for evolution in the Conservative Party we are going to wait for an awfully long time."