Conservatives will choose a candidate from a shortlist of three tomorrow for a marginal seat they hope to win at the next general election.

Brighton Kemptown is one of the last seats where the party has a chance of winning for which a runner has not yet been chosen.

Sheila Gunn, a former Press aide to ex-prime minister John Major, is favourite to get the job.

The other contenders are Mark Brooks and David Logan.

The seat was held by Sir Andrew Bowden for 27 years until he was defeated by Labour's Des Turner in 1997.

Mr Turner increased his majority in 2001 when he was opposed by Tory councillor Geoffrey Theobald.

The Tories started their selection process last year but party leader Michael Howard personally intervened to order a rerun after complaints were made to him about the procedure.

It was decided not to start selection again until after the European elections in June.

Almost 100 people applied for the vacancy, twice as many as last year. Coun Theobald did not apply.

Among those with strong support was David Gold, who fought a vigorous campaign in Brighton Pavilion last time.

But Mr Gold was knocked out when the final shortlist was drawn up. He was said by friends to be disappointed as he is still based in the city.

The candidate is expected to have less than a year before the general election takes place.