LIBERAL Democrats are selecting prospective parliamentary candidates for a possible snap election despite legislation introduced by their own former leader which makes the prospect extremely unlikely.

Lib Dems are in the process of selecting candidates ready to stand in a general election despite local members expressing their doubts about the likelihood of such a move.

The ability to call snap elections has been severely dented by the Fixed Term Parliaments Act 2011, which was introduced by then Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg.

The legislation means two-thirds of MPs would have to vote in favour of an election, putting their own livelihoods at risk, or back a vote of no confidence in the Government.

The Argus understands that candidates chosen will be considered parliamentary candidates until May but local parties might have to go through the selection process again for 2020 if there is no snap election.

Target seats have been asked to choose their candidates within the next ten days while non-target seats are expected to have candidates selected for them by the regional party by mid-August.

Unsurprisingly Lewes, home to Liberal Democrat MP Norman Baker from 1997 until his surprise loss to Maria Caulfield last year, is the most fiercely prized in Sussex with a hustings between five rivals to be held tonight. [Wednesday]

Former Brighton Pavilion candidate Chris Bowers, former Tunbridge Wells candidate James McCleary, former Hastings and Rye candidate Nick Perry as well as candidates from as far afield as Essex and Birmingham will compete for the honour.

Keith Sunderland, from Adur and Worthing Liberal Democrats, indicated that Hazel Thorpe, who has stood in Worthing West in 2010 and 2015, would most likely be the constituency choice.

He added: “We have to be prepared, it would be very foolish not to be prepared.

“Personally I think it’s unlikely.

“It is very difficult to call a snap election because of the Fixed Terms Act, it set the bar very high and would require two-thirds of MPs to vote for it or a motion of no confidence to be passed.

“But maybe if trade secretary Liam Fox and David Davis, secretary of state for exiting the European Union come back with a package that is pretty meagre before we do invoke article 50 there might be an election.”

Former Bognor Regis and Littlehampton candidate Francis Oppler said: “I think the chances of a snap election have receded in my view.

“The Government has got a lot going on, they have talked about wanting to steady the exchange rate and the money markets so the last thing they want is any more uncertainty from a general election.

“Theresa May herself has said she is not looking for a snap election although she could always have a change of heart.”