Jon Ashworth MP, Labour’s Shadow Cabinet Office Minister, responding to the deselection of Tory MP Anne McIntosh by Thirsk and Malton Conservative Association members, said:

“What on earth is the Conservative Party’s problem with women? With Anne McIntosh deselected, the Tories look set to lose their only female MP in the whole of Yorkshire and the Humber. And already one in 10 of the Conservative women MPs elected in 2010 have announced that they are standing down at the next election. David Cameron has done nothing to stand up for one of his most senior women MPs. His silence speaks volumes at a time when many people are asking why the Conservative Party is so out of touch.”