Tatton Conservative Association chairman Alan Barnes reacted angrily to claims from a party member that his support was only to protect a narrow majority in the Commons.

"I believe Neil Hamilton to be a honourable man and not one scrap of evidence has come to light to make me go back to the executive with a different view," he said.

"Firstly you have to consider him as a person. Forget the position with the seat and forget the politics. There has to be justice for this man."

The county councillor, who also said he believed Mr Hamilton to be innocent of cash-for-questions allegations, spoke out after Robin Estridge leaked a letter sent to him by Mr Barnes.

Part of the note read: "With such a narrow majority it would most certainly not benefit the Conservative government or the party for him Neil Hamilton to stand

down."

Alderley Edge resident Mr Estridge, whose village - because of boundary changes - will be represented by Mr Hamilton if he is successful at the general election, called for the former trade minister to be deselected.

"Saying that if Hamilton stood down it would not benefit the Conservative Party negates everything else he Alan Barnes has said before," said the former Conservative Association treasurer.

But Mr Barnes said the comment was only stating a matter of fact as part of a wide-ranging defence of Mr Hamilton. He reiterated Knutsford Tories' stance that they would wait for the outcome of a parliamentary review into the cash-for-questions affair before deciding on further action.

Knutsford's Cty Clr Bert Grange also criticised Mr Estridge and fellow Tory villager Michael Field for speaking out.

"They have got a nerve coming into our constituency and telling us what to do," said Mr Grange, who added: "I think they will be accepted if they behave themselves."

Mr Grange added he was reserving judgement on Mr Hamilton until after the parliamentary inquiry, which started on Monday.

At the start of the investigation, Paymaster General David Willetts was appearing before the Commons committee.

The former Tory whip has been accused of trying to influence a previous parliamentary probe into allegations which led to Mr Hamilton's resignation as trade minister.

Mr Hamilton has always denied taking cash to ask questions on behalf of businessman Mohammed Al Fayed.

Meanwhile, Alan Barnes was meeting Alderley Edge Tories last night (Tuesday) in a ward meeting, but stressed it was only to discuss battle tactics for the looming election.

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