TOURISM chiefs are trying to woo the Tories back to Brighton.

Labour and the Lib Dems regularly stage their annual conferences in the resort but the Conservative Party hasn't been since 1992.

Brighton tourism and conference head Amanda Shepherd said talks were being held with the Tories.

But she faces an uphill battle after Conservative Central Office told the Argus: "As far as we are concerned there are only two venues in Britain that are of a sufficient size, and they are Bournemouth and Blackpool.

"Our members likeBrighton but it doesn't suit the needs of our party. However, we welcome any discussion with representatives from the town to persuade us to return."

Some believe the Tories snubbed Brighton after Labour mayors used the traditional welcoming speech to criticise the Conservatives when they were in power.

The Tory absence has cost the resort millions.

Brighton Pavilion Labour MP David Lepper welcomed the move but criticised the claim that Brighton lagged behind Blackpool as a conference venue.

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