Conservative backbenchers are lobbying to stop Lord Patten from being appointed as the new chair of the BBC Trust.

Culture Secretary Jeremy Hunt is thought to have submitted the name of his preferred candidate to the prime minister, as part of a rearguard actionto stop former MP and Chancellor of Oxford University Lord Patten getting the job.

The Conservative Party's traditional Eurosceptic lobby are concerned by Patten's reputation as a Europe enthusiast,

Patten is currently the favourite to succeed Sir Michael Lyons as chair of the Trust, and receive a salary of £110,00 a year.

Also in the running are former CBI director Sir Richard Lambert and Dame Patricia Hodgson, principal of Newnham College Cambridge, who has Conservative backbench support.

John Whittingdale, Tory MP and chair of the Commons culture, media and sport select committee has privately voiced doubt over whether Patten will be able to act as an effective regulator of the BBC.

Whittingdale is thought to favour Lambert.

On 10th March, Whittingdale's committee will hold a "pre-appointment hearing" for the candidate chosen by Cameron and then issue a report saying whether it supports the appointment.