Ukip candidate Mark Reckless has likened the Conservative postal primary in Rochester and Strood to Beijing’s electoral control in Hong Kong.

The former MP supports the idea of open primaries, but believes it is “equally important” for the ballots to be open to candidates as well as voters.

“Protesters in Hong Kong demand the right to choose their candidates but Beijing controls who stands,” he said, just like here “candidates are chosen from on high” by Conservative central office.

The Conservatives are sending ballots to all constituency voters to allow them to choose the party’s candidate for the Rochester and Strood by-election. Residents post their choice back free of charge.

The Tories are the only major party still to select their candidate, leading to criticism they have allowed their rivals to make the running in the campaign.

The system was first used to 2009 to choose the Tory candidate in Totnes. Chairman of the Rochester and Strood Conservatives Andrew Mackness said: “The open primary is embraced and supported by the association,” and called it an “exciting opportunity to widen the democratic process.”

The association has chosen a shortlist of primary candidates, and while Cllr Mackness refused to comment on candidates he ruled himself out of the race. But local Conservative Dorothy Luckhurst learnt that she is not on the shortlist. Mrs Luckhurst came second in the selection process that saw Mark Reckless named as the Tory candidate for Rochester in 2008.

Campaigners at the new UKIP headquarters on Rochester high street mocked the primary. Peninsula ward councillor Chris Irvine left Conservatives shortly after Mr Reckless’ defection and calls the ballot an “expensive publicity stunt” and “a gimmick.”

But voters are in favour of a primary. Strood mother Gemma Heathcote did not know that there is an open ballot, but said the process is “fairer.” Asked how she intends to vote in the by-election, she said “Not Reckless - I don’t like him. Anyone but him.”

Richard Callanan, a 38-year-old contract manager at charity Parkinson’s UK, also had no knowledge of the open primary, but is supportive. “It’s a good idea, especially since our MP has gone off-piste. It gives people a choice.”

Rose Birks voted Ukip in 2010, but intends to vote Conservative at the by-election. The 85 year old of St Margaret’s is in favour of an open ballot. She said she is a lifelong Tory voter, and only voted Ukip because there was “so much carrying on by them last time.”

“My mother would turn in her grave if she knew I voted for them,” she laughed.