A CAMPAIGN has been launched to have Chester-le-Street's MP deselected.

Coun Bill Proud wants to see Kevan Jones replaced after he attacked Derwentside District Council.

The Labour member for north Durham accused the authority of holding an undemocratic consultation about whether Stanley should have its own council.

It has sent a letter to 24,000 voters in Stanley and the surrounding villages, warning them they face an 80p a week rise in council tax if they vote in favour.

The row is part of an ongoing war of words and Mr Jones once famously said the council 'was about as popular as a dose of the plague'.

Coun Proud has struck back at the MP and has written to Prime Minister Tony Blair and his deputy John Prescott.

He is urging fellow councillors in Stanley to back his campaign urging Labour Party members not to favour him for re-selection at a meeting, likely to be held next year.

Mr Jones recently submitted a 3,000-name petition to Derwentside District Council in favour of creating Stanley Town Council.

Coun Proud said: "He should be concentrating on important issues like health and regeneration, instead of carping on about councils.

"He is a man on a mission, who is interested in getting stuck into local councillors and he is upsetting people.

"I am going to complain about his conduct as an MP and I am calling on councillors to support me and put someone up against him."

Two months ago Mr Jones retained his seat in the General Election with a majority of 16,781.

Stanley Hall councillor David Broadley and Tanfield councillor Joseph Wilson support their MP.

Coun Wilson said: "Kevan Jones is an excellent MP and I will not lend any support to this campaign."

Mr Jones said the last time he was re-selected he had almost 100 per cent support from party members and trade unions in the constituency.

He said: "Coun Proud is talking nonsense and my record speaks for itself in fighting for Stanley.

"It is my job to argue for my constituency and I will continue to do so."