Conservative chairman Richard Holden looks likely to become the Tory candidate in Basildon and Billericay, leaving members of the party "furious" and "outraged". 

According to Tories based in Basildon, Mr Holden is the only candidate put forward for possible selection for the seat despite a three-person shortlist being promised by Conservative Campaign Headquarters.

Senior members of the Basildon and Billericay Tory Association have told the Echo they are furious that Mr Holden - who previously represented North West Durham - is being imposed and no "local options" are being put forward. 

Candidates must be confirmed ahead of the registration deadline on Friday. 

Reliable sources have confirmed that Lord David Frost was also a high-profile contender for the seat, touted as one of the safest Conservative seats in the south-east, though has not been included on the shortlist.

Ben Woollard has also put himself forward for the seat as a "community focused businessman and advocate" for Basildon and Billericay, having attracted endorsement from constituency residents. 

Leader of Basildon Conservatives, Andrew Baggott, said: "It is shameful and the arrogance of the party apparatus knows no bounds, it is clear they don't care about councillors and volunteers, it is a stitch up.

"I would like to see the association press back in anyway but this is last minute as nominations close at 4pm on Friday.

"They are completely lacking integrity  and by taking this approach have shafted other local candidates. 

"I universally condemn the process that was taken, it is utterly shameful" 

This comes almost eight-months after John Baron announced his resignation, with association members claiming that promises had been made to provide members with candidates since January. 

A source close to the association chairman said: "It is quite outrageous that Conservative Campaign Headquarters have imposed and dictated only one candidate on Basildon and Billericay.

“The candidate is Richard Holden, who has no association with the borough and no association with Basildon and Billericay and was in fact the former MP for North West Durham.

“The members have already made it entirely clear to Conservative Campaign Headquarters that the criteria was for a local candidate and having imposed one name on the association means the association is now in urgent talks with other members to seek how they will go forward with the general election.

“That includes not just supporting the candidate but not taking part, walking away and allowing the campaign to be run from CCHQ.

“There has been a strong expression from residents and the electorate that they wanted a local candidate but by putting forward his name it has been made possible we will lose a winnable seat and ensure Labour are gifted a leg-up they otherwise would not have had."

Members of the association’s executive are set to meet tonight to discuss their steps going forward and their response to the 'imposition' of Richard Holden.

Conservative Campaign Headquarters were approached for comment.