SIR Christopher Chope will be asked to explain his actions to party officials after the MP blocked a bill relating to protecting potential victims of female genital mutilation.

On Friday, the Christchurch MP shouted object to delivering the second reading of Zac Goldsmith MP's Government-backed proposals.

If approved, the bill would allow courts to issue protection orders over children thought to be at risk of FGM.

Sir Christopher was widely criticised on social media from campaigners and politicians, who said his actions were "appalling" and an "embarrassment".

This was the second time the veteran Conservative had objected to an FGM-related bill in the past few months.

Christchurch and East Dorset Conservative Association chairman Cllr Ray Bryan told the Daily Echo an urgent meeting of the association's executive would take place, where Sir Christopher will be asked to explain his reasons for objecting.

"I have received a number of calls, some not very pleasant, others just demanding he is deselected," Cllr Bryan said.

"The reason I have called an urgent meeting is this is the second time Chris has objected to this bill and I need to understand, and so does the executive.

"It is the executive who want the meeting. I cannot understand why he has done it twice (objected). He made his point the first time.

"The association executive is taking this very seriously, hence the reason for the urgent meeting."

And Christchurch's Conservative councillors have issued a statement distancing themselves from the MP.

On behalf of Cllrs Claire Bath, Bernie Davis, Tavis Fox, Wendy Grace, Peter Hall, Vicki Hallam, Trish Jamieson, Ray Nottage, Lisle Smith and Sue Spittle, and Conservative candidate Peter Watson-Lee, the statement says:

"A meeting of the Christchurch and East Dorset Conservative Constituency Executive has been called to which Sir Christopher Chope has been invited.

"Conservative councillors for Christchurch will attend this meeting and will ask him to explain his actions.

"Conservative councillors for Christchurch would like to make it clear the actions of our MP in no way reflect their opinions.

"They do not believe that pedantry should take precedence over human rights and it is time for the misogynistic old guard to recognise and reflect the opinions of the modern Conservative.

"FGM is not acceptable in today's society and we hope that the House of Commons will find a way of dealing with this as a matter of urgency."

Mr Goldsmith labelled Sir Christopher's behaviour as "just appalling", while Bournemouth East MP Tobias Ellwood wrote on Twitter: "Why Chris? Please explain."

North Dorset MP Simon Hoare wrote: "Chope has been scrutinised by Parliament and by the country.

"Yet again he’s out of tune, wrong and an embarrassment. It’s time he considered his position and frankly buggered off."

Home Secretary Sajid Javid added: "Very disappointed by this. FGM is child abuse. I am determined to stamp out this despicable and medieval practice. We will do all we can protect girls at risk."

It has been reported that Conservative Party whips tried to prevent Sir Christopher from blocking the bill.

Yesterday evening, Government chief whip Julian Smith MP wrote on Twitter: "Working to find ways ASAP to bring back FGM Bill in Government time - confident we can do so."