LONG-STANDING Reigate MP Crispin Blunt has lost the backing of top brass at the local Conservative Association.
Speaking to the Mirror Mr Blunt said he was "surprised and disappointed" at the decision which could threaten his future as the Conservative candidate for Reigate at the next election.
Former Prisons Minister Mr Blunt has held the Reigate seat - seen as a safe Tory area - since 1997.
But on Tuesday night he was told he has not been given the automatic backing of the Reigate and Banstead Conservative Association's executive council to stand in the next election in 2015.
Had the council backed him he would have automatically been the candidate for the election, but he will now need to win the support of general members of the local Conservative party to win the candidacy.
According to political blogger Guido Fawkes reselection is often seen as a formality for a Conservative MP and the failure to win the executive's support could be seen as a dangerous sign for Mr Blunt's future.
But in a statement released today, Mr Blunt said he still hopes to retain his nomination.
He said: "I am disappointed not to receive the endorsement of the Reigate and Banstead Conservative Association's executive council as the Parliamentary Candidate at the 2015 General Election.
"However, it will now be for all members of the Conservative Party locally to make their decision and I will be seeking their support."
Chairman of the association, Rita Renton told the Mirror: "There is no comment from me," before putting down the phone."
Speaking to the Mirror last month, Mr Blunt was full of confidence about being selected.
He said: "I have been re-endorsed three times so I hope my record over the last five years since the last re-endorsement will ensure their support."
