COLCHESTER Council’s former Conservative leader would not be drawn on whether he would stand for re-election to the seat vacated by Martin Leatherdale.

Paul Dundas, who had led the previous administration from May 2021, was ousted from his Stanway seat in last month’s election.

Following the news of Mr Leatherdale’s resignation, Sir Bob Russell, Colchester’s High Steward, said “his betting” was on a quick return to the council for Mr Dundas.

He said: “If that happens, it will be the quickest return in more than 50 years.”

Mr Dundas told the Gazette it was too early to say whether he would be interested in standing for the vacant Lexden and Braiswick seat in the by-election.

“There are procedures in place and they will have to announce the vacancy, there will be plenty of interested parties I am sure,” he said.

He said he was “sorry” to hear of Mr Leatherdale’s resignation, adding: “He did a good job last year and I always got on with him very well.”

A Colchester Council spokesman said: “We have received a formal resignation from Martin Leatherdale which chief executive Pam Donnelly has formally accepted, there will be a by-election held in due course.”