CONTROVERSY continues to surround the selection of South Swindon's Conservative parliamentary candidate for 2005.

Former MP Simon Coombs may still challenge Labour MP Julia Drown at the general election if he is reselected by central office.

During a final selection round at the Croft Sports Centre, Old Town, supporters of Mr Coombs rejected Bracknell councillors Gillian Birch, Debbie Lewis and Amanda McLean as a parliamentary candidate.

South Swindon Conservative Association preisdent, Les Hatcher, said: "After their presentations, a motion was introduced calling for the whole selection process to be referred back to central office. This was passed. This has split the association and we will not be in a position to select a candidate until the New Year."

Mr Coombs was Swindon's MP until 1997 when the town was divided into North and South Swindon.

He fought the South Swindon seat against Julia Drown and lost.

Since then he has been the association's management agent.

South Swindon Conservative Association chairman, Donald Day, added: "A majority of the members wished to see Simon as one of the candidates from whom to make a choice.

"The rules of the party meant that the present process had to be halted. It will be resumed next year."