An MP who caused a stir after failing to support Colchester's bid for city status has defended his actions.

Bernard Jenkin, Conservative MP for Essex North, said by speaking out against the plans he was simply representing the views of his constituents.

Out of the 21 parish councils he spoke to about Colchester's bid to become a city, Mr Jenkin said 20 were ambivalent or hostile to the idea, while four were very hostile.

Mr Jenkin said he would not be standing in the way of the borough council on the issue, as he was no more than a messenger passing on the views of his constiuents.

He added: "It is all about Colchester town becoming a city when, if you live in Wormingford or Layer Marney I do not feel it will help you to be living in somewhere designated as a city."

Mr Jenkin was accused of arrogance, ignorance and treachery over his stance.

But he said on Friday: "I am really bemused by the way some people have reacted over this. It is not that I am standing in their way, but we need to address the concerns of the villages in the Colchester borough."

The millennium submission to bid for city status was launched with the help of Roman cavalrymen on Wednesday.

The decision will be announced in November. Chelmsford, Southend and Ipswich are among towns bidding.

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