The row over a letter showing infighting within the local Tory group has led to the removal of Jackie Glover as chairman of the Southport Conservative Association.

Last week The Champion reported on a leaked letter from Ken Porter, the husband of the Tory Parliamentary hopeful, Mrs Porter, to councillor Tom Glover and his wife Mrs Glover.

In the letter Mr Porter claimed that Mrs Glover was trying to damage Cllr Porter's bid to become MP by letting people join the party who do not support his wife.

This week the row continued when a Conservative Party spokesman confirmed Jackie Glover had been removed as chairman of Southport Conservative Association by the Board of the Conservative Party for "failing to properly support the general election campaign".

Carl Cross, the Merseyside Area chairman of the Conservative Party, has been appointed as acting chairman of the Southport Association with immediate effect.

Jackie Glover refused to comment adding: "This is association business, therefore it should be kept within the association."

Carl Cross commented: "Southport Conservative Association is united in supporting Brenda Porter, our excellent local candidate and is working to ensure she becomes our next MP whenever Gordon Brown has the courage to call a general election."