An anti-EU political organiser has been accused of "dropping a clanger" after he told supporters Colchester's MP was retiring.

George Curtis, Colchester constituency chairman for the United Kingdom Independence Party (Ukip), urged members to "put their names into the ring" as Bob Russell's departure would make for an open race if Gordon Brown called an early election.

Mr Russell was unanimously selected several months ago as his party's candidate for Colchester - and has every intention of defending his seat.

"It is an almighty clanger and I am not sure whether to be annoyed or amused," the three-times elected Lib Dem said today.

"Clearly Ukip organisers must be living on a different planet, or at least do not read local newspapers, if they think I shall not be seeking re-election whenever the next general election is called."

Mr Curtis, a Dedham farmer, stood against north Essex Conservative MP Bernard Jenkin at the last election.

At a hustings in Layer Marney at the time, he claimed it was "more likely we will be hit by an asteroid" than that UKIP would win power - but said the party was taking an important stand.

During the same event, he declared his belief that only the registered council tax-payer in every household should get the vote, with other adults having to pay a fee in return for their ballot paper.