THE former Tory leader of Dudley Council Anne Millward has ruled herself out of the race to replace disgraced Dudley North candidate Afzal Amin.

Mrs Millward, the chairman of the local Conservative association in Dudley North said she is “not interested” in taking on the challenge as she is “a campaigner on the ground” but said an announcement is expected by the end of the week.

She said the association had “no idea” about Mr Amin’s discussions with the English Defence League, adding: “It came as a bolt from the blue. I was shocked and dismayed.”

Although she admits the scandal “did some damage” she said it was not irreparable: “He was a lone wolf and did not speak for the rest of the Conservatives’ ideals. For him to go off on a tangent like that is unforgiveable.”