Tory leader William Hague may visit Colchester in the next two weeks.
A Conservative source said plans are being drawn up for the opposition leader to come to the town on February 16, as speculation about a General Election mounts.
"There is a possibility that he will be visiting Colchester. If he came he would be campaigning on tax and the economy," she said.
The source said Mr Hague often travels by helicopter and it would be likely he would use that means of transport.
Mr Hague's spokeswoman at Conservative Party Central Office said she was unable to confirm or deny if he would be visiting.
Colchester looks set to be a hotly-contested seat. Sitting Colchester MP Bob Russell is standing for the Liberal Democrats and will face a challenge from the Tory prospective parliamentary candidate Kevin Bentley. Labour have not yet decided on their candidate after Tim Young stood down to fight a court case. Leonard Overy-Owen is standing for the Grey party. Mr Hague last visited the area for a gala dinner at Five Lakes Golf and Country Club in Tolleshunt Knights in 1999.
By Stephen Rawlins
Reporter's e-mail: stephen_rawlins@thisisessex.co.uk
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