A Conservative will risk the wrath of the gay community by joining Brighton's Pride festival this weekend.

Prospective parliamentary candidate David Gold is planning to man a stall at Pride in Brighton and Hove in a bid to recruit new party members.

The homosexual politician said: "We will be there in support of the gay community in Brighton. But obviously this is a huge event and we felt that it is really a big party rather than an overtly political thing."

Stalls at the annual Pride festival have in the past sold bondage gear, sex aids and condoms. The local Conservatives may find themselves nestling between stands with rows of rubber gear and massage oil - but Mr Gold, prospective candidate for the Brighton Pavilion constituency, said the festival was an ideal place to campaign.

He said: "We will be holding a petition about William Hague's Daylight Robbery campaign on petrol prices, as well as highlighting our Keep the Pound campaign.

"We will also be demonstrating what we are doing locally for all sections of the community. What people are interested in is issues like the NHS and petrol prices, regardless of their sexuality."

Mr Gold, who is open about his sexuality but opposed to radical gay politics, said: "I have always felt that being gay was just like any other lifestyle or way of life.

"It wasn't actually my idea to campaign at Pride. It was suggested by members of my association. We try to have a stand at any local event.

"The issues we will be there to talk about are applicable everywhere. Gay people are just as interested in high fuel prices and healthcare as straight people."

Saturday's event will include a procession of colourful floats from Madeira Drive to Preston Park in Brighton where Pride will be held.

PJ Aldred, chair of Pride in Brighton and Hove, said she was "surprised" at the news. "It shows clear divisions in the Tory party given the party's opposition to scrapping Section 28.

"I think it will be most interesting to see how the stall is received and it's brave of him to go out there because the Tories are not popular with the gay community. I commend his actions."