The former British defence secretary, Mr Michael Portillo, was last night selected to fight the safe Tory seat of Kensington and Chelsea at the forthcoming by-election on November 25th.
Mr Portillo beat off challenges from three rivals at a packed meeting in Kensington Town Hall - persuading them that slurs over his gay past were irrelevant to the job he could do for the Conservative leader, Mr William Hague, in the future.
His defeated rivals, former Tory whip Mr Derek Conway, Basildon councillor Mr Mark Francois and local councillor Mr Warwick Lightfoot, all paid tribute to Mr Portillo after the result was announced.
Gay rights protester Mr Peter Tatchell laid on a low-key protest throughout the selection meeting, attended by members of the local Conservative Association.
Mr Portillo is almost certain to return to the House of Commons after the November 25th by-election - representing a seat where the Tories currently enjoy a 9,519 majority. His presence back in the Commons will pile extra pressure on Mr Hague as rumours of a leadership challenge are bound to gather momentum.
Liberal Democrat parliamentary party chairman, Mr Malcolm Bruce, said: "Michael Portillo's selection shows how right-wing and out-of-touch with mainstream Britain the Conservative party has become.
"It is a telling insight into the self-delusion of the Conservatives that they think Michael Portillo is the knight in shining armour who can rescue them from defeat."
Labour mayoral challenger Mr Frank Dobson said: "The Tories' decision to select Michael Portillo as their candidate for Kensington and Chelsea shows they have learned nothing since the general election.
"They seem to think that the man behind the poll tax and rail privatisation is suitable as an elected representative. I do not."