UKIP bosses today accused him of misleading the public, claiming he is "unsuitable" for selection after flouting the law by allowing people to smoke in his Happy Scots bar following the introduction of the smoking ban.

But Mr Howitt says the people opposed to him had not met with him to discuss their concerns.

He added: "I'm happy to debate it and tackle issues head on. I haven't heard from these people via e-mail, telephone or any other method."

But Bill Whitehead, chairman of UKIP Fylde, today spoke out for the first time, claiming Mr Howitt was invited to a meeting to discuss his candidacy.

He showed The Gazette a party meeting agenda listing Mr Howitt as a speaker, but says he did not turn up.

Mr Whitehead said: "We've invited him to a meeting and for whatever reason he didn't come.

"What he said in The Gazette shows his unsuitability because it is misleading.

"There was an emergency meeting held and a vote of no confidence against him.

"It's nothing to do with the man personally, it is what he has done in the past in breaking the law that makes him unsuitable."

Peter Ball, branch secretary of UKIP Fylde, added: "UKIP is a democratic party and as members we do not intend to be dictated to, or allow UKIP to be hi-jacked for a personal crusade and one which can't be won.

"UKIP membership is strong on law and order yet attempts are being made to force them into supporting a law breaker. The credibility of UKIP can only be damaged by this candidate."

Forced

Mr Howitt, who ran the Happy Scots Bar and DelBoy's Sports Bar on the corner of Rigby Road and Tyldesley Road, South Shore, was forced to close his pub last month.

It is thought Mr Howitt and his family have lost more than £500,000 since he began his smoking ban protest two years ago.

Mr Howitt's battle against the smoking ban continues despite the closure of his pub.

It will take him to the European Court of Human Rights for a landmark legal case in the spring.