THE father of Watford's MP, Claire Ward, has split from his party after 24 years as a Labour councillor and is now at the centre of a bitter row with the candidate selected to replace him.

Frank Ward will contest Hertsmere Borough Council's Kenilworth ward in May as an independent after failing his party's selection process.

He has accused members of the borough's Labour group of discrimination.

However a Hertsmere Labour Group representative said: "He failed to meet the required standards to be considered as a Labour Party candidate. Subsequently it was his decision to remove himself from the selection process."

Peter Hedges, who currently represents Cowley Hill ward and has been selected by Labour to fight Kenilworth for Labour in May, has asked The Standards Board for England to investigate an alleged comment made by Mr Ward.

The issue centres around the Kenilworth ward candidacy and the Three Ways Community Centre in Borehamwood, where Mr Hedges was bar manager until two weeks ago.

Mr Ward is chairman of the committee that runs the centre.

Mr Hedges told the Standards Board Mr Ward strongly implied in a conversation "that if I sought nomination as a candidate for the local elections in Kenilworth ward, I would lose my job".

In a restructure of Three Ways centre in March, Mr Hedges' post as bar manager ceased to exist, and the new post of centre manager was created.

Mr Hedges applied for the new position but did not get the job.

Mr Ward strongly refuted any connection between Mr Hedges standing in Kenilworth and the loss of his job.

The committee has confirmed Mr Ward declared an interest in the appointment process and played no part in the voting.

While admitting a conversation with Mr Hedges took place, Mr Ward's recollection of the exchange differs.

He said: "I said there's people up here the committee who are going to get upset.

"I said they are not going to be too happy, and left it at that."

Mr Hedges is now considering whether he has grounds to take his case to an employment tribunal.

Watford MP Claire Ward declined to comment on the affair.