David Cameron gets tough over all-women shortlists

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Mr Cameron was unapologetic about his drive for more female MPs, describing it as "pathetic" that only 17 of his Commons colleagues were women.

His tough words came as it emerged today that party chairman Eric Pickles had sacked a local party stalwart at the centre of the row over high-profile candidate Joanne Cash.

A Tory spokesman confirmed that Amanda Sayers did not resign as president of Westminster North Conservative Association but was "removed".

The Standard has learned that Mrs Sayers was sent a letter saying its governing board had the right to axe her. A party spokesman said: "Yes, the board did decide to remove her."

Tensions with Mrs Sayers boiled over this month when Ms Cash quit as Tory candidate for the key Labour marginal. After a frantic intervention from the party leadership, Mrs Sayers was ousted and Ms Cash reinstated.