Tories at war over claim Cameron ensured TV Castaway blonde was head of youth party

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An inquiry was launched after party officials were caught out trying to meddle in a contest involving three male candidates to lead Conservative Future, formerly known as the Young Conservatives.

They wanted to give Clare Hilley, a contestant in last year's BBC1 Castaway, which was set on a remote island near New Zealand, the chance to get the job as part of Mr Cameron's drive to promote more women.

Leaked emails show 24-year-old Ms Hilley, who wants to become a Tory MP, was secretly urged to stand for election – and was given a signal that the Tory leader approved.

Last night Ms Hilley told The Mail on Sunday she was approached about standing for the post – while the Tories claimed she approached them.

The row over the 10,000-strong youth wing centres on an embarrassing series of leaked emails between Michael Lunn, Tory head of youth development, and Ms Hilley.

Mr Lunn expresses his "reservations" over the male candidates on offer and says: "It would be great if you would be willing to stand for CF chairman. The centre is very keen to have a fresh start and attract more women in general."

He spells out what he means by "the centre" in a later email, saying: "The party chairman [Caroline Spelman] and DC [David Cameron] would welcome a female chair to help me drive through the necessary changes over the next 12 months."

Mr Lunn stressed the operation must stay secret, warning Ms Hilley: "Be careful how you use me... I cannot afford a whole long paper trail on my involvement or even remote support."

Ms Hilley – who was second to be eliminated in the 2007 Castaway series – eventually pulled out of the political contest and resumed her legal studies.

But in the wake of the row, Tory chiefs received a formal complaint over officials' meddling.

The party's ruling board carried out a probe and gave Mr Lunn a "mild rebuke".

Mr Lunn did not return calls from this newspaper.

A spokesman said Mr Cameron was definitely not involved.