A former Sussex MP has called for a ban on ageism in the Conservative Party after he was apparently judged too old to make a comeback by one constituency.

Howard Flight was barred by Michael Howard from defending his Arundel and South Downs seat at the last election for suggesting the party might cut taxes by more than promised.

But his hopes for a return next time around were boosted when he made it on to new leader David Cameron's A-list of preferred candidates.

That status was not enough, however, to get him even to the interview stage of the selection as a would-be MP for West Worcestershire.

Mr Flight, 58, told BBC Radio 4's The World at One he was sure it was age-related, despite the bulk of Tory voters being over 55. Ruled out He said: "My understanding from someone who was at the meeting of the selection committee was that a sub-committee had set out certain key criteria, one of which was that they wanted a candidate who, on grounds of age, could be expected to serve at least two or three terms and therefore those who were above a certain age were ruled out.

"I and a lot of people I know - because it's the area where our family home is and my wife's family have sort of been there forever as fruit farmers - are very upset when something like 70 per cent of those that vote Conservative are over 55."

Mr Flight backed the right of local associations to pick their own candidates but he said: "I think the choice should be based on who is the strongest applicant in the particular situation - who's got the most political experience."

Party headquarters should issue guidance that age should not be a factor, he said, pointing out that new equality legislation would shortly be in force.

He said: "We are two or three months away from banning discrimination on grounds of age, as well as sex, religion, race and so forth."

A party spokesman said the constituency association was responsible for choosing its own selection criteria.

The local party told the programme it would be inappropriate to comment until the process was completed.