The Conservative Party today faced further embarrassment over its campaign to win the Hartlepool by-election.

Yesterday, businessman Gus Robinson, who took on Peter Mandelson for the Tories in the last General Election, said he may stand as an independent this time round.

Today the leader of the Tory group on Hartlepool Council, George Morris, warned his party had no chance of winning the poll.

And he said it was ''most disturbing'' that the Conservatives had still not selected a candidate to fight the seat.

''The Tory campaign isn't going for Hartlepool,'' Mr Morris told BBC Radio 4's World at One programme.

''The district officer hasn't brought to the local association a list of any possible candidates. It is most disturbing.''

He complained that local Conservatives were ''in the dark'' and added: ''We are disturbed by the fact that all the other candidates are making their play ... and here we are sitting knowing nothing.''

Asked if his party had any chance of winning the pending by-election, prompted by Mr Mandelson's move to being a European Commissioner, Mr Morris answered: ''No.''

Mr Robinson, who was easily beaten by Mr Mandelson in 2001, confirmed today he was considering standing as an independent.

''It's because of a sincere desire to do the job for Hartlepool,'' he told the same programme. ''I haven't been invited to stand as a Tory.''

Labour, the Liberal Democrats and the UK Independence Party selected their candidates two weeks ago.

A spokesman for Conservative Central Office said: ''The selection procedure is well under way.

''A number of first class candidates are being considered. We hope it will be completed shortly and at that stage we will make an announcement.''