POLITICAL blogger Iain Dale has failed in his attempt to become Ann Widdecombe's successor in parliament.

The high profile figure wrote a blog this week saying he had not got past the first interview to become Conservative propsective parliamentary candidate for Maidstone and The Weald, which took place last Saturday.

"I can't pretend that I am anything other than really disappointed," he wrote, " I came out of the interview thinking I had performed really well. The selection committee was unfailingly polite and pleasant and I felt we connected.

"Maybe they are looking for something very different from what I was able to offer. Whatever the reason, I'd like to thank Maidstone and the Weald Conservatives for selecting me for interview and making it an enjoyable experience - even if the outcome wasn't what I had wished for"

Miss Widdecombe is due to stand down as an MP at the next election.

She has said she plans to move to the West Country and write more books.

The Conservative selection panel will meet on January 20 to to choose the candidate from its shortlist.