Marc Godwin, from Buxton, who contested the High Peak seat for the Lib Dems in the 2005 General Election, had been picked as the Prospective Parliamentary Candidate for Crewe and Nantwich.

However the sudden death of Labour MP Gwyneth Dunwoody will see a by-election take place which meant nominations were reopened.

"The party members in Crewe and Nantwich had already selected me and as far as they were concerned they would vote for me again," said Mr Godwin. "I went to London for the interview and it went absolutely brilliantly."

He had joked to friends they the party probably wanted a photogenic woman candidate so they could show their inclusive credentials but was stunned not to make the all-female shortlist.

"They knew when I went to London that I was going no further no matter how well I did. They should have been open and honest about the selection. I have been a victim of political correctness."

A spokesman for the Liberal Democrats said: "The two people who have been shortlisted are women. It is simply a result of the process."

He said by-elections differed from general elections as there would be much more national media scrutiny and that needed to be taken into account during the selection process.

"It is sad that he had gone. We wish him the best in the future," said the spokesman.

* Mr Godwin also criticised the Lib Dems' High Peak Parliamentary candidate Steven Sharp who said he had been approached to stand in Crewe and Nantwich but had turned it down.

Mr Godwin said Mr Sharp would probably have received the same email sent to all approved Lib Dem candidates nationwide: "It wouldn't have been specifically aimed just at him it."

He was certain no-one from the local party had approached him and if it was someone nationally they would have broken their own rules.

"It is this sort of spin, trying to dress something up into something else that is the reason why people think politicians and candidates are so out of touch with people," said Mr Godwin.

Mr Sharp said: "I'm not getting in a personal slanging match so I am not even going to quantify his comments. Only to say I was asked by a number of High Peak Lib Dems along with members from Derbyshire Dales and Stockport if I was going to put myself forward.

"I also spoke with a number of prominent party members; some said I should put myself forward."