A TORY candidate says she was forced out because of bullying by other members of her own party.

Amanda Harland made the claim as she broke her silence over why she quit as Conservative prospective Parliamentary candidate for Colne Valley.

Miss Harland, 33, said she was speaking out to end speculation over her resignation.

She told how she had a good relationship with most members of the local association.

But she added: "Unfortunately, the relationship that developed between myself and one or two members of the association was such that I felt that I could no longer remain as their candidate.

"At times the attitude towards me brought back vivid memories of the way in which I was pushed around at school."

Tories were rocked when she quit two weeks ago as candidate after moving from her home in Oxfordshire to fight the seat.

Both she and her husband Adam gave up their jobs to make the move and Miss Harland stood down as a councillor in Oxfordshire.

Miss Harland is the second Tory prospective Parliamentary candidate to quit in 18 months in the constituency.

She replaced Londoner Mike Flynn, who departed in circumstances never publicly revealed.

She said she had enjoyed spirited exchanges through the Examiner letters column with opponents in other parties.

"However, I did not go into politics at any level to spend my time fighting those who are supposed to be on the same side as me," she said.

Miss Harland said she and her husband had made a considerable commitment to fight the seat.

Quitting was not a decision that had been taken lightly, she said.

She did not reveal further details but said she had come to Colne Valley from an area where the Tory association was "very welcoming" to young people and eager to encourage and support anyone who showed enthusiasm.

Miss Harland said: "At the time of my resignation it was considered in the best interests of all concerned not to disclose the reasons behind my decision.

"However, since then, a lot of people have, quite reasonably, started to jump to conclusions.

"It has been suggested that comments made in the press about me over the past few months may have contributed to my decision or that I may have something to hide.

"Neither of these are the case."

Tories have said they hope to get a replacement candidate in place by the new year.

Jackie Firth, chairman of Colne Valley Conservatives, said: "We are very sorry to lose her as our candidate and sad to hear her comments.

"We are working very hard to get another candidate in place."