A TORY Parliamentary candidate says she is determined not to be beaten by critics in her own party.

Sue Catling spoke out as she faces a third bid to de- select her for the Calder Valley constituency.

She has been dogged by controversy since claims by other Tory members in 2003 that she had an affair with former Calder Valley Conservative Association chairman Barrie Henderson.

The allegations were strongly denied by the married mother-of-two.

But a bitter feud between her and other Tories led to members voting on her future in 2003 and again last summer.

Now, another meeting is being held next Monday to discuss whether Mrs Catling, 45, should stand in the General Election - which could be under five months away.

But Mrs Catling said she was determined not to be beaten by people she describes as "malicious".

She added: "Not one of these claims is true. It is just twaddle that has been made up by people who want to destroy the Conservatives' chances in the Calder Valley.

"It is more than a smear campaign. It is a witch-hunt, but I will keep on fighting.

"Some of these people want my job and others are maliciously motivated. I do not know why this is.

"They obviously do not care about the party or the forthcoming election or they would be supporting me."

The list of 24 allegations include claims that she does not conduct herself properly in public and that she misled the association over campaign donations.

Mrs Catling has not ruled out libel action against the people who wrote the list.

The former Cheshire Businesswoman of the Year said she had never had any problems from the electorate and was confident the allegations would not sway voters.

She said: "I have received nothing but kindness from the electorate, privately and in public.

"It is increasingly hard to work with people I know are plotting to get me out. But that is something I just have to cope with. It won't stop me doing my job."

"This is not the ideal way to start a challenge for the Calder Valley seat, but it is out of my hands."

Association chairman Sir Donald Thompson , a former MP for the area, is recovering from severe health problems and could not comment.

The scandal comes after two Parliamentary candidates walked out on the Colne Valley Conservatives in just 18 months.

In 2003, Mike Flynn quit, saying he was being bullied.

Last November his replacement, Amanda Harland, also left, saying she had been unfairly treated and even told by one party member to wear a mini-skirt to win votes.

The Calder Valley constituency - which includes Brighouse and Elland - is held by Labour's Chris McCafferty.

She captured it from the Tories in 1997 and had a 3,094 majority at the last election.

* Brought up in Keighley before reading English language and literature at Bristol University

* Worked as an actress. Parts included Joan of Arc and Eeyore in Winnie the Pooh

* Now runs a company training business people to be better communicators

* Joined the Tories the day after Labour swept to power in the 1997 election

* First selected to fight Calder Valley in 1999. Halved Labour's majority at the 2001 General Election.