Four candidates – three of them women – have reached the shortlist to become Conservative candidate for Bury St Edmunds at next year’s general election.

All have considerable political experience – but are not well known within Suffolk.

Those on the shortlist are: Johanna Churchill, James Cleverly, Helen Whately and Zehra Zaidi. They are seeking to replace David Ruffley as Bury MP after his decision not to fight next year’s election.

Andrew Speed, Association Chairman said: “Following a rigorous selection process we were delighted to interview 11 very strong candidates. Any one of the final four will make an excellent candidate, and hopefully MP, for our constituency.”

The candidate will be selected at a special meeting on November 4.