Bristol Tory leaders branded 'lunatics' by rejected candidate

A blistering attack has been made on the Bristol Conservative leadership by a failed contender for a council seat.

Angelo Agathangelou had hoped to be selected as Tory candidate for the vacant St George West seat, having fought it for the party in 2007.

He lost by just 41 votes to Labour's John Deasy, whose sudden death has prompted a by-election on October 9.

But Mr Agathangelou, who lives and works in St George, is outraged that the Conservatives have selected another candidate, Colin Bretherton, to fight the seat this time.

He has branded some members of his party "lunatics" and has criticised Tory leader Richard Eddy.

Mr Agathangelou said: "I had understood I would be the person to stand, but I was made to undergo a selection process with a guy from another part of Bristol.

"Within a couple of days leaflets were going out, so it would appear this was determined already.

"I feel let down. I live in St George and would love to stand for St George. I have great respect for many of the Tory councillors I've met but there are one or two lunatics.

"I'm looking right at the top of the tree.

"I think they are trying to capitalise on their recent gains by putting in one of their friends. I was going to stand as an independent candidate at the last election but the Tories approached me.

"My result last time was unheard of. The Conservatives had dismal support. If it is asked of me and I have enough support from the public I may stand as an independent."

Mr Eddy defended the process by which Mr Bretherton was selected, but said he "didn't want to get into personalities".

He said: "We had to pick the best possible candidate, not just for St George West but for the council.

"We shortlisted three, all of whom live and work in the area, and we've selected the best to fight for the people of St George.

"The Tory party is open and transparent. No one has the right to think 'I am the candidate'. I acknowledge the hard work Angelo did last year and hope he will support our candidate."

Mr Bretherton, 53, a chemistry teacher at Bristol Cathedral Choir School Academy, lives in Brislington and has been in Bristol for more than 30 years.

The father of two grown-up children said: "I stood at the last local elections in 2007, for Brislington West.

"I don't live very far and I know St George well.

Neither Labour nor the Lib Dems has yet named a candidate. Nominations must be in by noon on September 12.