A Tory aide stopped a Sky News interview with Richard Holden as the party chairman sought to avoid questions about how he landed a plum Conservative constituency.
Mr Holden, until recently the MP for North West Durham, was the sole candidate presented on what was expected to be a shortlist of three names for the Basildon and Billericay seat.
He was asked about the “stitch-up” process that led to his candidacy, beginning his answer with the words “Emily Thornberry” before he was cut off by Jon Craig.
An off-camera CCHQ advisor then interrupted to complain about the questions and terminate the interview.
