Liberal Party preselectors were told that a female candidate was not suitable to be a Federal MP because she had school-age children at home, sparking a fresh row over sexism in the party as it struggles to boost the number of women in its ranks.

Last weekend the Liberal Party preselected Vince Connelly for the Government-held seat of Stirling, despite senior party figures, including Prime Minister Scott Morrison, wanting a woman to take over from outgoing MP Michael Keenan.

Four female candidates nominated for the seat, but the 30 Liberal delegates backed Mr Connelly, who was well-known as vice-president of the branch.

During the debate after candidate presentations, one of the preselectors suggested that Jo Quinn, who has three children, could not juggle being an MP while also managing her family obligations. Chairman of the debate, Jeremy Buxton, ruled the remarks out of order.

It is understood the remarks were made by a female delegate with children. Liberal Women’s Council chairwoman Michelle Sutherland, who was also a candidate for the seat, said the comments were unacceptable.

“It is outrageous to say that,” she said. “This just drives me nuts, as we should all be on a level playing field.”

Ms Sutherland said it was impossible to know any candidate’s personal circumstances and “they wouldn’t have put their hand up” if they could not do the job.

The Liberals have been struggling with the number of women in Parliament, with only 19 of 83 sitting MPs and senators at the Federal level being female.

Despite the party’s target of equal representation by 2025, it has fewer female MPs than it did in the Howard era.

Deputy leader of the State Liberals Liza Harvey said that she did not believe the party had a cultural problem, describing it as a “broad church” with many views.

“There are people who are more conservative about gender roles, and people who are more progressive about gender roles,” she said.