CHANCELLOR of the Exchequer George Osborne has shown his support for “destructive” Bridgwater and West Somerset Conservative candidate Ian Liddell-Grainger.

During a visit to Sheppy’s Cider in Taunton last Thursday, Mr Osborne told the County Gazette that Mr Liddell-Grainger was a “really strong member of parliament”.

Scroll down for video

Somerset County Gazette:

The vote of support comes as members of his own party in West Somerset are trying to oust him from his position as Conservative candidate.

Recently, West Somerset Conservatives compiled a 125 page dossier outlining the “destructive behaviour” of Mr Liddell-Grainger, following a vote of 'no confidence' in the MP in January this year.

The document, which was made up of emails, press cuttings and letters, was sent to Prime Minister David Cameron, Conservative chairman Grant Shapps and Conservative chief whip, Michael Gove.

Mr Osborne told the County Gazette: "I think Ian is a really strong member of parliament. He represents his area well.

“You know, he’s his own person, and that’s what you want in a member of parliament.

“So Ian has got investment into that constituency, he’s been right behind the development of Hinkley.”

Listen to George Osborne speak in support of Ian Liddell-Grainger

Conservative West Somerset Council leader Tim Taylor, the man behind the dossier, has called the vote of support a “complete cover up by the Conservative hierarchy”.

He said: “Nothing is being done because they [the Conservative Party] do not wish to do anything that will undermine his [Mr Liddell-Grainger] candidacy this close to the General Election.

“It’s been quite clear to us that nothing will be done about it by the hierarchy level.

“Now, I can’t quite see who will do something about his destructive behaviour.

Mr Taylor describes himself as a “staunch Conservative” and has recently spoken out about how he would rather see another political party represent the constituency than see Mr Liddell-Grainger re-elected.

Mr Taylor will not be standing in the forthcoming election.

He said: “All I can do is put what I believe to be the truth out and then more people will know about it, the better.”