A SHOWDOWN meeting took place between embattled Christchurch MP Sir Christopher Chope and the local party chairman this week.

Sir Christopher has been embroiled in a row since he objected to the passage of the ‘upskirting’ bill in Parliament last Friday, causing those backing the bill to label him a “dinosaur”.

Christchurch and East Dorset Conservative Association chairman Cllr Ray Bryan said a "constructive" and "informative" meeting had taken place, and the MP was scheduled to meet with senior local party officials next month to explain his actions.

Asked whether the 71-year-old would be reselected as Christchurch candidate in the next General Election, Cllr Bryan said: "It is too early to say, we wouldn't be making a decision in any event until an election is called."

However he said he would be "taking soundings" from party members over the coming months.