POTENTIAL Liberal Democrat candidates are remaining tight-lipped on whether they would like the opportunity to take on Will Quince in the upcoming General Election.

Former MP Sir Bob Russell and the chairman of Colchester Council’s local plan committee Martin Goss are thought to be front runners for the role after Prime Minister Theresa May’s shock announcement.

Veteran Sir Bob was coy on whether he would be making an unlikely comeback after losing the Colchester seat to Tory Mr Quince in 2015.

He called the snap General Election “unexpected” and also warned it is likely to overshadow the Essex County Council poll set to take place a in May.

Sir Bob said: “All minds are quite rightly focused on the very, very important Essex County Council elections. “Calling a General Election will cause quite the distraction and will dramatically overshadow the elections to Essex County Council.

“It is somewhat unexpected and I think now is the time for some reflection.”

Sir Bob added he is busy with research and family life and would have to consider whether attempting to become a full-time MP again would fit in with his life.

Mr Goss, who has represented Mile End on Colchester Council since 2008, said he had received numerous messages of support.

He said: “Nothing has been ruled in and nothing has been ruled out.

“Lots of people have been in contact saying they would love me to stand which is incredibly flattering.”

Mr Goss is also standing for election in the Maypole ward for the upcoming county council elections next month.

Fellow Mile End councillor Mr Graham will stand in the Harwich and North Essex constituency.

A spokesman for Colchester Liberal Democrats said the party would stand up against a hard Brexit and fight for schools, social care and Colchester General Hospital.

He said: “This election is your chance to change the direction of our country and have a strong voice for Colchester’s interests locally and nationally.”

“Voting Liberal Democrat will ensure you have an MP who will stand up against a disastrous hard Brexit and keep Britain in the single market, stand up for our schools, adult social care and hospital to provide for our growing town and stand up to face the threat of climate change, promote investment in renewable energy to make us world leaders in green energy.”

Martin Goss is standing in the upcoming Essex County Council elections. Other candidates in Maypole ward are Dave Harris (Lab), Pauline Hazell (Con) Bruno Hickman (UKIP) and Laura Pountney (Green).