FORMER Hampstead councillor Mike Greene, who gave up his job to try to become an MP in Bournemouth, has seen his dreams shattered by the seaside Tories. Mr Greene served on Camden Council for eight years before resigning last month to chase his parliament

FORMER Hampstead councillor Mike Greene, who gave up his job to try to become an MP in Bournemouth, has seen his dreams shattered by the seaside Tories.

Mr Greene served on Camden Council for eight years before resigning last month to chase his parliamentary dreams.

However, the former parking chief was not on the list of four candidates chosen by the Bournemouth West selection committee on Monday.

Mr Greene, who grew up in Bournemouth and shared his time between the town and Hampstead during his council tenure, was philosophical about the defeat.

"It is a little bit disappointing, but that's politics," he said. "I don't know if this is the end of my political career but a little break and a chance to spend more time with my children is very welcome.

"When it comes down to it I would love to be in parliament but I want to live in Bournemouth, and in a choice between the two, living in Bournemouth is my priority at the moment."

The news is particularly shocking to Mr Greene, who got down to a short-list of two for the seat in July. His rival dropped out and was replaced at the last minute, suggesting the candidacy would be a certainty for Mr Greene. But local association members demanded the race be fought again.

Mr Greene gave up his Camden Council seat before the second contest in a bid to prove his commitment to Bournemouth.

"I'm not thinking of a return to Camden though. Camden was a fantastic experience and thoroughly enjoyable, but my life is in Bournemouth now and it's time to grow up and get on with that," he said.