The Conservative Party is set to abandon its challenge for Northern Ireland seats in the next general election.

Party chairman, Michael Ancram, has warned Northern Ireland Tories that the party would look foolish if it continues to contest seats in the province. His opposition to candidates who are likely to lose their deposits means that Central Office will give its support in only three of Ulster's 18 parliamentary constituencies. The move raises doubts about William Hague's aim to depict the Conservatives as the true defenders of the union, reports the Guardian.