Barker: unaware of unrest

National media speculation this week suggested that members of the Bexhill and Battle Conservative Party was preparing to deselect Mr Barker for the next General Election.

However, leaders and Mr Barker's wife have come out in support of the Shadow Environment Minister.

It has a month since the MP hit national headlines over his alleged gay affair with an interior designer.

Councillor Simon Radford-Kirby, vice chairman of the Bexhill and Battle Conservative Association and East Sussex county councillor for the Pevensey division, said, ''Greg is an excellent constituency MP and has enjoyed my full support in the past and will continue to do so.''

Constituency party chairman Cllr Brian Kentfield, asked if any party member had called for a formal meeting to discuss Mr Barker's future, said, ''Not that I am aware of.''

Mr Barker's wife, Celeste, is said to have resolutely defended him at a constituency party gathering two weeks ago.

This was described as an 'informal' meeting.

Opinion at the gathering is said to have been divided between those supporting the MP on the grounds of his constituency track record, and those who accused him of being 'economical with the truth' when he told the party in July that he had split with his wife and was asked if there was another woman involved.

Mr Baker this week spoke to the Herald about his situation.

He said, ''I am aware that some people are unhappy but I have been overwhelmed with the amount of kind messages that I have received.

''There has also been support from people from across the constituency and inside the House Of Commons.

''I'm now fully focused and determined to continue the work I have been doing and continuing to serve the constituency.''

It is open to constituency party members to call for a formal meeting or to propose de-selection by the party.

Another Conservative Parliamentary colleague, James Gray, was dropped as a candidate for North Yorkshire after cheating on his wife as she fought cancer.

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