‘No hard feelings’ says McIntosh, as she calls it quits

The Filey and Malton’s MP, who was controversially deselected by the party amidst infighting, said she bore no “ill will” against the local blue bloods who campaigned against her.

The announcement gives her replacement Kevin Hollinrake a clear path to Westminster , with the businessman now red-hot favourite to retain the Tory safe seat for the party.

And at a packed press conference at Pickering Conservative Club on Friday afternoon, Miss McIntosh called for local unity in the party ranks ahead of the May 7 vote, which to date, will see Mr Hollinrake stand against four other candidates.

And she had a parting pop at Labour’s “inept stewardship” in the previous parliament - before praising David Cameron.

In the wake of her deselection, mystery and speculation surrounded McIntosh’s plans.

Neighbouring Scarborough MP Robert Goodwill even publicly commented that he felt she was drumming up support for a bid.

But she laid that speculation to rest, telling reporters that while she was “honoured” supporters had asked her to run independently - her heart was with the Conservatives, vowing to campaign in other for other Tory candidates.

“I am deeply grateful to all my supporters, and bear no ill-will to those who engaged democratic process to change their parliamentary candidate,” she told press.

“I shall continue to work as hard as ever for my constituents.”

But while Miss McIntosh’s speech highlighted her passion for her party, a statement released since by the Thirsk and Malton Conservative Association was a little less gushing.

A spokesperson said: “The Association acknowledges the work that Anne McIntosh has done in the last five years and wishes her well in the future.”