Former Colchester MP Sir Bob Russell has not ruled out standing for the Liberal Democrats in the town on June 8 – but said it was “a time for reflection”.

East Anglian Daily Times: Colchester MP Will QuinceColchester MP Will Quince

Sir Bob lost his long-held seat to Conservative Will Quince back in the 2015 general election, with Mr Quince saying he will stand again.

Now the High Steward of Colchester, Sir Bob said: “I am concentrating on my heritage tours and research, but this is a time for reflection and everybody should not be rushing to conclusions.

“We also need to focus on the county council elections in May.”

Other possible contenders for the Colchester seat could include Tim Young, who stood for Labour in Clacton in 2015 and who is deputy leader of the borough council. Mr Young ruled out standing again in Clacton, but said being a candidate elsewhere was a possibility – while Jordan Newell, Labour’s choice in Colchester in 2015, said he would not be standing.

East Anglian Daily Times: Colchester borough councillor Tim YoungColchester borough councillor Tim Young