One of London's safest Labour seats will be contested for the Conservatives by their first openly lesbian candidate.

The party has selected millionaire businesswoman Margot James to challenge former health secretary Frank Dobson for the seat of Holborn and St Pancras.

James said her selection showed a change in attitudes by senior figures in the party.

"No longer can the public see the Tories as representing a narrow band of Middle England. I am glad we are getting the leadership making a commitment to encourage all kinds of people to run for office," she said.

She faces a tough challenge as the Conservatives only made third place at the last general election and Dobson's majority was 11,175.

Even though her chances of victory are small, her selection is another significant move away from the Conservative Party's traditional image.

The party already has openly gay MP Alan Duncan as a frontbench spokesman.

James played down the significance of her selection.  Although she had always been open about her sexuality she was not a gay rights activist.

"My sexuality is not the most important thing. I don't hide it, nor do I broadcast it. It's incidental," she said.