CHRISTCHURCH MP Sir Christopher Chope has slammed his own party for failing to support him during the 'upskirting bill' controversy earlier this year.

The veteran Conservative politician came under-fire on social media and from his colleagues after he objected to the private members' bill in the House of Commons.

Sir Christopher told the Daily Echo that he would have expected his party to defend him if social media descended into "mob rule".

He also said fellow Tory MPs who sought media attention to criticise his objection were "totally out of order" – an issue he raised to the party whip.

The Christchurch representative also said one of his fellow Dorset MPs had apologised for their behaviour back in June, but two others were yet to do so.

Appearing on the BBC's Sunday Politics Show, Sir Christopher said his party was frightened to stand up to the social media and press barrage.

He claimed the Conservatives thought it would be "easier to pander to what was seen to be cheap public opinion".

Speaking to the Daily Echo, Sir Christopher said: "If social media becomes a mob rule then you expect or hope your own party will stand up to the mob rather than appease the mob.

"If one of my colleagues in Dorset was accused of some crime I would see they were innocent until proven guilty. For them to go out seeking the media to try and take a pot shot I think is totally out of order."

After blocking the private members' bill, the Government brought forward its own legislation, which Sir Christopher said was his objective and ensured it was properly scrutinised.

He added: "The bill will go to the House of Lords and they will make amendments, I am sure. It was a badly drafted piece of legislation."

Sir Christopher will not be attending the Conservative Party Conference in Birmingham, which takes place from Sunday, September 30 to Wednesday, October 3.

He said the event involved the Government and party leadership talking with no opportunity to debate or put forward motions, unlike the Labour Party Conference currently taking place in Liverpool.

The 71-year-old said he expected more members to attend the opposition party's conference because there is an opportunity to openly discuss issues.

Sir Christopher added: "I was at the party conference at the time when the community charge or poll tax was discussed, which was very controversial.

"We were in Government and there was open debate on motions.

"I think if you have a conference where there is not any motions or debate then it is lacking a fundamental direction."