CAROLINE Ansell has become the second Sussex Conservative candidate forced to clarify their views on homosexuality because of links to church organisations linked to “gay cure” ceremonies.

The Tory candidate for Eastbourne has said publicly she does not believe gay people can be cured following media reports about her financial links to the Christian Action Research and Education (CARE) faith charity.

Ms Ansell posted videos on her Facebook page with supportive testimony from gay supporters while CARE has also dismissed reports it supports gay cures.

The news follows a public statement issued by the party’s Hove hopeful Kristy Adams denying she was “homophobic” after her long association with the King’s Arms Church in Bedford, like CARE a member of the Evangelical Alliance, was revealed.

Gay care worker Angela Paterson, from Hove, told The Argus when she attended the same church, parishioners prayed to rid her of the “demonic stronghold” of her homosexual thoughts

Mrs Ansell, Eastbourne MP since 2015, receives funds in the form of an intern for four days a week between September and July, valued at £8,470, from CARE.

The charity had paid for interns for up to 20 MPs but many, including Lib Dem leader Tim Farron, distanced themselves in 2012 after the organisation’s funding for a conference in London on converting LGBT people to heterosexuality was revealed.

Mrs Ansell said: “I have made it clear I do not think gay people can be cured or in fact should be.

“I just hired the best intern I could and I didn’t discriminate against them on the basis of faith.

“The money from CARE goes to the intern. It doesn’t mean I support or am influenced by CARE and CARE has no influence over me.

“CARE has no influence over my work in Parliament. I do not receive favour or benefit from them. I have already given you my reasons for employing my intern.

“I would never vote to directly disadvantage the LGBT community. I would not vote to repeal any legislation.”

Supporter Thomas Liddiard said he stood shoulder to shoulder with Ms Ansell who he described as one of his longest standing friends, colleagues and allies.

He said: “She really does stand up for us, promoting and encouraging Eastbourne Pride. She has stood alongside us and promoted our rights.”