FORMER TV presenter Selina Scott has been approached by top Tories to put her name forward for a North Yorkshire seat at next year’s General Election, according to close friends.

Roderick Gilchrist, a long-time friend and media advisor to the former broadcaster, confirmed she has been asked to stand for the Conservative party in North Yorkshire, particularly for the Thirsk and Malton seat.

North Yorkshire born Ms Scott, 63, who helped to launch BBC’s Breakfast Television, is currently out of the country, but it is believed she plans to reveal her decision in the next few days.

She set up Selina Scott’s Socks in Malton last year and took a leading role in fighting plans for a new Tesco store in the town.

Mr Gilchrist said: ”People have been putting out feelers to Selina, influential and powerful people, with a view to seeing if she would put herself forward, particularly for Thirsk and Malton.”

Ms Scott, is the latest high profile name to be thrown into the ring in the search for potential MPs for the Thirsk and Malton constituency after sitting MP Anne McIntosh was deselected after concerns over a “clash of personalities” with local activists. No one could be contacted from the Thirsk and Malton Conservative Association.